A prescription may cost one amount one month and a different amount the next. This is frustrating, but it is very common.
One major reason is your insurance deductible. At the beginning of a plan year, you may have to pay more out of pocket until your deductible is met. After that, your cost may decrease.
Another reason is a formulary change. A formulary is the list of medications your insurance prefers to cover. Insurance plans can change preferred drugs, tiers, copays, and coverage rules.
Your cost may also change if the pharmacy uses a different manufacturer. Generic medications are often less expensive than brand-name drugs, but prices can still vary depending on supply, contracts, and insurance pricing.
Sometimes a coupon, discount card, or secondary insurance may have been used previously but not applied the same way the next time. Your pharmacy can help review the claim and see whether a better option is available.
For Medicare patients, costs may also change during different phases of Part D coverage.
Bottom line: Prescription prices can change because of deductibles, plan rules, formularies, manufacturer costs, or discount changes. Ask your pharmacy to review the claim if the price seems unusual.
