How to Save Money on Your Asthma Inhaler Costs (Without Skipping Doses)

The average price for an asthma inhaler costs more than $175 in the United States. 

Inhalers are used to help treat symptoms of asthma. These symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and losing your breath. 

If you have asthma and can’t afford an inhaler, there are ways to lower the costs. 

Continue reading to discover how you can reduce your asthma inhaler costs without skipping treatment. 

1. Ask for Freebies

One of the best things about going to the store on Sundays is that there are samples to try.

At the doctor’s office, you can ask for samples of inhalers to try. These inhalers typically do not come in full size but last a while and work when you need them. Another benefit of getting samples is that you can determine which brand you liked best. 

Over time this will help save you money because you won’t be using an ineffective inhaler. 

2. Talk to Your Doctor

Being open and honest with your doctor about expenses is one of the best ways to cut costs on inhalers.

Talking to your doctor about money concerns can help by them not giving you name-brand options. Generic options are often much cheaper and getting prescriptions for them isn’t difficult to do. 

Don’t be afraid to ask if there are generic alternatives to a medication that is out of your spending range. 

3. Use Discounts and Coupons

If you are trying to cut back on expensive inhaler costs you can try searching for coupons.

Some doctor’s offices will advertise with vouchers, coupons, and rebates to get more clients. These discounts and coupons typically come from manufacturers. The most common medications that have discounts include allergy and asthma prescriptions.  

Many companies that make medications also have coupons. Searching online is the fastest way of discovering these discounts. Some websites will allow you to use coupons only on their sites.

You must know how to safely purchase medications online. You can learn how to by following these guidelines. 

4. Get Assistance

Not all healthcare companies may offer this, but many places have assistance programs for their patients.

If your doctor’s office does not provide medical assistance, you can apply to programs run by larger medical corporations. Not all people will be accepted into these programs. Those that do, however, will receive help with reducing medication costs and paying for them.  

Most of these programs are directed for people with no health insurance. If you already have a plan, you likely won’t be approved. 

5. Know How to Use It 

Understanding how to properly use an inhaler is one of the best ways of saving money on inhaler costs. 

Not knowing how to use your inhaler could be costing you money that you don’t even realize. When you are at the doctor’s you should ask to be shown how to use the product. 

Using an inhaler properly is important because it can save you money and also give you the most benefits. Improperly inhaling could lead to breathing problems getting worse and not being treated. Some people end up going to the hospital even after using an inhaler because they were using it wrong.

If you want to get the most for your money and get control of asthma symptoms with the least amount of suffering, you need to know how to use it. 

6. Listen to Your Doctor 

Studies show that more than 60% of people who go to the doctor’s office don’t follow their medical orders. 

Although it may seem like you are spending way too much on prescription costs and doctor visits, you will save money in the long run. Not treating your asthma the correct way could lead to worse problems and more medical expenses in the future.

Not only could untreated symptoms get worse, but you will likely miss out on work time to recover. Medication expenses can quickly grow but it is better to get them than miss out on hours at work and your paycheck.  

7. Look for Other Types of Treatment

Have you ever considered getting allergy shots?

Although the sound of shots may not be appealing, getting allergy shots could help cut down on inhaler costs over time. For the most party, allergies are the main cause of asthma and breathing problems. 

Allergy shots may be uncomfortable at the beginning but most people get used to it over time. These shots can help give you relief for a long time and in certain cases, permanently. 

Allergy shots are a cheaper option for treating asthma than compared to allergy and asthma medications. 

8. Review Your Prescriptions

If you have been using the same type of inhaler for year after year, it may be time to reevaluate and test.

If you feel that your needs are changing you can speak to your doctor about lowering your inhaler prescription dosage. Smaller doses can cut back on costs and save you money. 

Avoid waiting too long to reevaluate your inhaler, you will waste even more money if it is not as effective as it once was. Typically, you should get a breathing test during a physical at the doctor’s office. 

9. Get Your Shots

Most asthma attacks occur with allergies, but not all.

Colds and cases of flu are other culprits of breathing problems. Getting your flu shot each year can help keep your immune system strong and your breathing under control. 

Colds typically affect your sinuses and can make it difficult to breathe. By getting your shot, you can drastically lower your risk of getting sick. Many people qualify for free flu shots each year, do your research to discover if you do. 

Flu shots are also an excellent preventative measure for staying healthy and keeping those around you healthy as well. 

10. Choose the Best Insurance for Your Needs

Saving money on asthma inhalers can seem like a battle you will never win but the problem may lie within your insurance.

Every year you should reevaluate your insurance plan and search for better coverage. Better health insurance can lower the amount you pay for prescriptions and doctor visits. Not all insurance providers offer the same things, some may have more coverage for allergy clinics. 

Don’t be afraid to shop around when searching for an insurance company. You should always look at competitors to get the best price. Considering other family members is also important for saving on medical bills. 

Lower Your Inhaler Costs with These Health Tips

Asthma is often accompanied by other health problems and can get worse with certain conditions.  

The best way to avoid asthma is by staying fit and exercising. Staying in shape can help prevent breathing problems associated with wheezing. It is important that you don’t push yourself too hard, however, or you may need your inhaler. 

Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that you are allergic to can also help reduce asthma symptoms. If you are allergic to grass and mold, it is recommended to close the windows so that you don’t breath it in.

Avoiding allergy triggers is one of the best ways to control breathing. Air conditioners are helpful because they pull in clean and purified air into the home. 

Dusting your house regularly and cleaning up pet hair can also reduce asthma symptoms. You should prevent mold from growing in the home. Having a clean house is a great way to breathe with ease. 

If you are going outside for a walk or to the car, cover your mouth and nose if it is cold. The cold air in the winter months can become harsh and lead to coughing. Covering up your face will help protect you and not be too harsh on your lungs. 

Take a Breath of Fresh Air

It’s time to start lowering your asthma inhaler costs and take a breath fresh of air in. 

Utilizing the tips above can help you get inhalers at a much cheaper price. No longer will you be paying over $100 for an inhaler. Talking to your doctor is one of the best ways to spend less money. They can even write your prescriptions for cheaper generic medications. 

Besides talking to your doctor, it is also important that you listen to them. Following the medication regimen that they ordered can help you recover quickly and get control of asthma. Untreated symptoms can get worse over time and cost you more money.

Don’t be afraid to go online and do research for discounts. Many companies and doctor’s offices offer vouchers and coupons for advertising purposes. You can also try asking your doctor for free samples to test out medications and select the best for your needs. 

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about living a healthy lifestyle on a small budget!

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