World Health Day: 5 tips for medication management

Key takeaways

• Staying organized can help with medication management. Keep a master list of all your medications and supplements to prevent errors at home and while traveling.
• You can also look into cost savings. Use discount cards like Optum Perks, choose generic options, and check for manufacturer coupons to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
• You can also take advantage of online care and home delivery to save time, get faster refills, and make managing your health more convenient.

Overview

Every April 7th, World Health Day serves as a reminder to prioritize our well-being. This year, the theme “Together for health. Stand with science” highlights the importance of using evidence-based tools to live healthier lives.

One of the most impactful ways to stand with science is by mastering your medication management. If you have a chronic condition, it’s likely that you’ll have different medications to keep track of, but it can be difficult to keep up with different refills, changing treatments, and rising costs.

Here are 5 tips that can help you with your medication management, now and in the future.

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Keep medication records at home and on the go

Staying organized is key to remaining safe with your medications. According to 2023 research, Americans are now taking more medications for longer periods of their lives, and chronic conditions that require multiple medications are increasing.

If you’re taking several medications, it’s important to keep a record of what you’re taking, when you need to take it, and the dosages you’ve been prescribed. Your documentation should also include the prescribing doctor’s name, the reason for the medication, and a log of any side effects you experience.

Proper records are also important when it comes to travel. Always pack your medications in their original, labeled containers to avoid confusion or issues with customs. Carry a printed copy of your drug list and your doctor’s contact information in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage.

Pro tip: Digital apps can help with record-keeping, but a physical backup can be helpful in case of power outages or technical glitches.

Sign up for automatic refills

Many pharmacies now offer automatic prescription refills for your maintenance medications. This means you don’t have to remember to manually refill your medication every time — the pharmacy will simply notify you that you have prescriptions ready to pick up.

This can help you to stick with your treatment as it reduces the chance of you running out of your meds and forgetting to order a refill.

Look into cost savings

Medications can be expensive, and many costs are likely to increase in 2026. However, there are several ways that you can save on your medication costs.

• Try prescription discount cards: Prescription discount cards and coupons, such as the Optum Perks Discount Card, can help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. You can present these cards at a pharmacy to receive discounts automatically. These are not used alongside insurance.
• Consider generics: Generic medications are generally significantly cheaper than branded alternatives, and they’re equally safe and effective. You can ask a doctor or pharmacist whether a branded medication is available as a generic.
• Check for manufacturer savings programs: Many manufacturers offer savings programs or promotional prices on their medications. You can look up the manufacturer’s website to see if they offer any savings.
• Look into government savings options: If you qualify for Medicare, this can help reduce your overall drug costs. TrumpRx is another government program that helps connect users with deep discounts on many branded medications, including GLP-1s.

Pro tip: Speak with a pharmacist about drug costs. They can help you compare prices between insurance and discount cards to help you find the best deals.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Improve convenience with online care

Going to in-person appointments for medication reviews and refills can be inconvenient and costly. Online care services, also known as telemedicine, may be a good alternative. True to their name, they are a way to access healthcare services online, without the need for an in-person appointment.

• Instant medication reviews: Instead of waiting weeks for an in-person appointment to discuss a side effect, online care allows for rapid consultations. A clinician can review your current medications, identify potential interactions, and determine if certain medications are no longer necessary.
• Faster refills: Online platforms allow you to request digital refills directly through a patient portal. These requests are often handled faster than traditional phone-ins, and many services can route the prescription to an online pharmacy for home delivery.
• More affordable appointments: According to some 2026 research, telehealth may be less costly than in-person appointments. It can also reduce related costs like travel and loss of income.

Optum Perks offers on-demand online care in as little as 15 minutes for $29. You need to answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional.

Consider home delivery

In a fast-paced world, finding time to visit the pharmacy can be a significant barrier to staying consistent with your treatment. Home delivery services for your prescriptions can

Some research suggests that people who use home delivery are more likely to stick to their treatments because it eliminates common obstacles like transportation issues, long pharmacy lines, or simply forgetting to pick up a refill.

Many discount programs, including Optum Perks, now offer integrated home delivery options. This allows you to apply your discounts and have your medications shipped securely to your home, often with the option for 90-day supplies which further reduces costs.

Pro Tip: If you’re switching to home delivery, time your first order for when you still have at least two weeks of medication left. This leaves a buffer for any initial shipping or processing delays as you set up your account.

Review regularly with a healthcare professional

The medications that are right for you now might not always be. Regular medication reviews with a doctor can help ensure your treatment is going as well as it can be.

Make sure you tell your doctor about any side effects you’re experiencing or any changes in your symptoms. Also keep them up to date with any supplements or over-the-counter medications you’re taking to avoid any drug–drug interactions.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for your annual physical to discuss meds. Use online care for a dedicated medication check-In.

Summary

This World Health Day, remember that standing with science means utilizing the best tools available. By combining organized record-keeping with the modern conveniences of online care and home delivery, you’re making your health journey safer, more affordable, and completely manageable.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.