BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The average American now fills 13 prescriptions per year, and the costs quickly add up.

As a nation we spend more than $200 billion annually on prescription drugs.

Consumers looking for a break may want to use an easy tip for savings. A new study has found that patients can cut their costs by 29 percent if they buy in three-month supplies.

Researchers at the University of Chicago included nearly 400 drugs in their analysis, including common medications to treat high cholesterol, hypertension, depression, and thyroid disorders.

They found that the average savings per prescription was more than $5 when patients used a three-month versus a one-month supply.

Experts said there are other ways to save as well. Talk to your doctor about using a generic brand of the same medication, or shop around to different pharmacies to find the best price.

Some health plans even offer home delivery plans that are win-win -- the medications are cheaper, and they come right to your door.