It sounds backward, but for some common generic drugs, paying the pharmacy's cash price can be cheaper than your insurance copay. This tends to happen with low-cost generics, especially if you have a high deductible you haven't met yet.

Pharmacists are often happy to check both prices if you ask. Just say you'd like to know what the medication would cost without insurance before you pay. If the cash price is lower, you can choose that option for that particular fill. It only takes a moment, and it's worth asking again at refills, since prices can shift.

There's a trade-off to keep in mind. Purchases made outside your insurance usually don't count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. If you expect to reach those limits during the year, running everything through insurance may still make more sense overall. Your pharmacist or insurer can help you think it through for your situation.