How to Save on Medicines in the Philippines: A Practical Guide to Budget-Wise Healthcare
With living costs rising in the Philippines, many families feel financial pressure, especially for healthcare. Medicines often consume a large part of your budget, especially for chronic conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Don’t worry, you can still save on medicines without risking your health.
Tips to Spend Smarter on Healthcare
1. Choose Generic Medicines Whenever Possible
According to MedlinePlus, generic medicines are designed to work the same way as brand-name drugs because they contain the same active ingredients. They also meet the same safety and effectiveness standards.
Generic medicines are evaluated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring they are safe and reliable for most patients. Brand-name medicines typically cost more due to research, development, and marketing costs.
In the Philippines, the use of generics is supported by the Generics Act of 1988, a law that promotes the availability and use of affordable, quality medicines. This law requires doctors to write prescriptions using the generic name of the medicine and encourages pharmacies to inform patients about lower-cost generic options. The goal is to provide patients with more choices and help alleviate the financial burden of healthcare.
In many cases, choosing a generic can lead to significant savings without affecting your treatment. However, there are a few situations where a brand-name medicine may be more suitable, depending on your condition or how your body responds. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if there’s a generic or lower-cost alternative to your prescription so you can take care of your health while staying within budget.
2. Maximize PhilHealth Program Benefits
PhilHealth benefits don’t just cover hospitalization; they also support outpatient services in the Philippines through programs like YAKAP and GAMOT. Enjoy PhilHealth benefits by registering in person at a YAKAP-accredited Care Center Clinic or online via the eGovPH App or PhilHealth Member Portal.
Choosing a trusted PhilHealth-accredited primary care provider, like Care Center Clinic, can lead to significant healthcare savings. Members can receive free consultations in the Philippines, including checkups and health assessments, with a primary care physician. As a YAKAP member, you are also entitled to avail of basic laboratory tests and select free medicines in the Philippines worth up to P20,000 a year at VidaCure Pharmacy, a PhilHealth GAMOT-accredited pharmacy.
By using these programs, members gain access to quality outpatient care while significantly reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses.
3. Compare Prices Before You Buy
When a medicine isn’t covered by PhilHealth benefits, being a smart and informed buyer helps keep healthcare expenses within budget without compromising your treatment.
Medicine prices can vary widely from one pharmacy to another. To get the best value, compare prices between big drugstore chains, dependable local pharmacies like VidaCure, and licensed online platforms. A few minutes of price-checking can mean hundreds of pesos saved, especially for long-term prescriptions.
4. Use Discount Programs
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are entitled to at least 20% discount and VAT exemption on medicines. Always carry a valid ID and remind the pharmacist to apply any available discounts, especially for long-term or maintenance medications.
5. Focus on Prevention to Avoid High Healthcare Costs
The best way to save on medicines is to avoid needing them in the first place. Staying on top of regular checkups, getting vaccinated, and treating symptoms early can prevent health issues from turning into bigger and more costly problems. Mindful daily habits such as eating balanced meals, staying active, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress can also help keep your body and mind strong. This can mean fewer sick days and less dependence on medication over time.
Bottomline
Saving on medicines doesn’t mean compromising your health. By choosing generic medicines, maximizing PhilHealth programs like YAKAP and GAMOT, comparing prices, using available discounts, and promoting preventive care, Filipinos can significantly reduce healthcare costs.
Visit VidaCure to access up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines annually under PhilHealth GAMOT and find affordable alternatives when a drug isn’t covered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is PhilHealth GAMOT and how does it help me save on medicines?
PhilHealth GAMOT (Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatients) allows eligible members to receive select medicines for free, with coverage of up to ₱20,000 per year. These medicines can be claimed at PhilHealth GAMOT-accredited pharmacies, such as VidaCure Pharmacy.
2. Do I need to register to avail of YAKAP and GAMOT benefits?
Yes. You need to be registered with a YAKAP-accredited primary care provider, such as Care Center Clinic. Registration can be done in person or online through the eGovPH App or the PhilHealth Member Portal.
3. What services are covered once I’m enrolled under YAKAP?
YAKAP members may receive free doctor consultations, basic health assessments, selected laboratory tests, and access to free medicines under GAMOT, depending on eligibility and medical need.
4. What if my prescribed medicine is not covered under GAMOT?
If a medicine isn’t included in the GAMOT list, a pharmacist can help you check for affordable generic options.
5. Are generic medicines safe and effective?
Yes. Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients, safety, and quality standards as brand-name drugs. In the Philippines, the use of generic medicines is encouraged under the Generics Act of 1988 to help make medicines more affordable.