As of late 2007, the costs of health care expenditures have reach $2.3 trillion. With this development many health insurance providers are changing the terms of their policies in order to cover only the most basic health care services. There are also employers who are taking out health benefits as part of their employees? benefits. To date, almost 47 million Americans belong to the ranks of the uninsured since they cannot afford to pay the premiums on most health insurances on their own.

If the situation described above is difficult for people who are employed and young, it is twice as difficult for senior citizens who only rely on pension benefits and their retirement funds as income sources. It doesn't help that most seniors are not in the pink of health and are in need of maintenance medicines for different health conditions. If you are a senior who needs maintenance meds, quit worrying because there are ways to get them cheap ? especially over the Internet. Here's how:

1.Discuss using store-brands with your doctor.

Most major-chain pharmacies carry their own medication brands in their local and online shops. Since these are the store's own, they are offered and sold at cheaper prices. If you do not have any major drug allergy, you can save more by opting for store-brands instead of over-the-counter and prescription name brands. It might help to discuss this with your doctor, especially if you have a particularly delicate condition like a heart disease. Alternatively, you can also ask your doctor if there are cheaper alternatives to the drugs he or she is prescribing.

2.Sign up and subscribe to a reputable discount online drugstore.

Once you found a reputable discount online drugstore, sign up to be a member and subscribe to newsletters. By being a member of the online pharmacy, you increase your chances of getting discounts and rebates. News of new promos, discounts, and rebates are also sent to members via newsletters so subscribing to one lets you know immediately if there is any in effect. In choosing pharmacies, opt for one that carries the Verified Internet Pharmacy Provider (VIPP) Seal.

3.Apply for online assistance programs from the drug manufacturers.

Many major pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs for households who meet certain income requirements. Increase your chances of qualifying for these programs by looking for those that are offered by the manufacturer of your maintenance meds. Aside from discounts, qualifying for these programs can entitle you to free medication supplies.

4.Practice comparison shopping.

There is no law stopping you from signing up and subscribing to two or more online pharmacies. As long as you exercise caution and sign up for Internet drugstores that are safe and reputable, you shouldn't have any problem. While drug prices are competitively priced between online pharmacies, it still helps to practice a bit of comparison shopping. Before pursuing a purchase, see which pharmacies offer the best deals.

5.Invest in a pill splitter.

If your doctor approves the use of pill splitters, invest in one. It only cost around five bucks each at your local drugstore but can make your efforts at buying cheap maintenance meds online more worthwhile. Ask your doctor for higher strength medications which you can split in half to double the number of your dosages. You can also ask your doctor to change your prescription to a bulk purchase one since online pharmacies often offer discounts on large orders.