
Prescription costs can quietly drain a retiree’s budget faster than any other medical expense. Even with insurance, plan networks and pricing tiers can push patients to pay more than necessary. In some cases, pharmacies charge different prices for the exact same medication depending on how it’s filled. Many seniors assume their Medicare or Part D plan automatically finds the best price—but that’s not always true. Here’s how hidden factors may be inflating your drug bills without you realizing it.