Phone script: getting the real price from a pharmacy

OPENING

"Hi, I need a price check on [DRUG NAME, STRENGTH, QUANTITY]. I want to compare a few options."

THE FOUR QUESTIONS

1. "What is the price with my insurance run through?"

2. "What is the cash price if I do not use insurance?"

3. "Do you accept discount cards, and what is the price with the best one you accept?"

4. "Is there a manufacturer savings card on file for this, and is it being applied?"

IF THE PRICE IS HIGH

"Is there an interchangeable biosimilar or an unbranded version of this my plan prefers? Would it be cheaper if my doctor wrote it that way?"

"Would a 90-day supply cost less per month than a 30-day supply?"

"Do you have a 340B pharmacy affiliation, or do you know of a clinic pharmacy near me that does?"

IF YOU ARE OUT AND CANNOT PAY

"I have type 1 diabetes and I am out of insulin. Does this state allow an emergency supply without a new prescription? Can you dispense a partial fill today while I sort out coverage?"

WORTH KNOWING

Cash price can be lower than the insured price. If you pay cash, it will not count toward your deductible unless you submit it yourself, so ask the pharmacy for a receipt with the drug name, NDC, quantity, and amount paid.