There’s no denying that prescription drug costs are in the stratosphere. Combine that with an economy that is in the cellar, and it is no surprise that a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found almost 30 percent of adults say they’ve opted not to fill a prescription because of cost. About a quarter of people polled had split pills or skipped doses to make their medicine last longer.

Here are the resources Gerri Willis and Dr. Sanjay Gupta talked about on “House Call” this weekend. Thanks for watching.

Kmart pharmacies www.kmart.com

Costco www.costco.com

Sam’s Club www.samsclub.com

BJ’s Pharmacies www.bjs.com

Drugstore.com

Homemed.com

Familymeds.com

Destinationrx.com

One word of caution here, beware of fly-by-night sites, where your risk of getting counterfeit or tainted drugs rises. Look for sites that carry the "VIPPS" seal (it stands for verified internet pharmacy practice site, and is awarded by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy).

Also, consider getting a drug discount card. They are available from state government, membership associations, non-profit organizations or for-profit businesses. You may be able to save from 15 to 50 percent on certain medicines. The cards may have annual fees that range from $30 to $60 per family or up to $9 dollars a month.

Pharmacy assistance programs can also help. They are generally run by drug companies. Keep in mind there may be income requirements.

Togetherrxaccess.com

Merckhelps.com

Rxassist.com

Pparx.org

Needymeds.com

For more information of Pfizer’s program, called Pfizer Pfriends, call 1-866-776-3700.

And finally, read the Empowered Patient for more tips on how to save big bucks at the pharmacy counter.

By Tim Langmaid
CNN Medical Managing Editor

This weekend be sure to tune in for two reports from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

At 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday watch "House Call." Gupta will examine the medical records of 71-year-old Sen. John McCain. If elected, McCain would be the oldest elected president in U.S. history by Inauguration Day in 2009. Also, "House Call" will look at re-growing body parts – it's becoming reality at a military hospital in Texas. Plus, on the road and looking for food, find out the best and worst choices at your favorite roadside fast-food joints.

Then at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, watch "The First Patient – Health and the Presidency." This CNN Special Investigations Unit hour reported by Gupta explores the health demands of being commander in chief – and the challenges facing presidential doctors. See how the aging process may accelerate for those serving in the Oval Office. Learn about the health care the president receives day to day and in a worst-case scenario. And see how the nation and the world respond when the American president is sick or injured.