The cost of out-patient prescription drugs is much higher than many people realize. In the United States, prescription drugs are approximately a fourth of total medical spending.

Be sure when you select a health insurance plan that you understand the prescription drug benefit including out-of-pocket costs and any benefit maximum. I have also seen "Saver" health insurance plans that have limitations that are as low as $500 per year for out-patient prescriptions per person.

Many major medical plans also have an added deductible for brand name drugs. It is not unusual to have a small added annual deductible ($200-$500); however, I have seen a health insurance policy offered with a $2000 annual deductible for brand name prescriptions. Deductibles are a "trade-off" that can help reduce insurance premiums but also can increase your out-of-pocket risk.

While you may not be taking an expensive prescription now, if you became ill, it could be important. 

Here's an actual example of my own prescription drugs cost in 2007.

Medications Taken Monthly:

Drug Name               Cost                   

Fluticasone            $119.99              

Astelin                    $97.99            

Crestor                  $111.99          

Total / Month          $329.97 

Medications Taken in Past Twelve Months for a Specific Illness:

Drug Name              Cost

Cefdinir                 $68.79

Benzonatate

Proair HFA

Doxycycline Hyclate

Advair Diskus            $210.99

Total Annual Prescription Cost = $4527