Nearly 90% of adults age 65 and older are currently taking prescription medications. And since we all know how much those cost, most people are also looking for a discount prescription program to pick up the slack of their insurance plan.
Whether you are on a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage or some other form of health insurance, you can choose to use a discount drug program instead of your insurance policy. Today, we’ve listed the top eight discount drug programs that will help you save money on prescriptions today.
1. GoodRx
GoodRx is a free program that negotiates drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers and then passes those savings onto their customers.
The program offers a great online tool (and app) to look up your medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Simply type in your prescription, then find the pharmacy that is offering the best rate. Compare that to any insurance copayment you might have. When you get to the pharmacy, let them know which form you’ll be using – your insurance or the GoodRx prescription card.
2. Cost Plus Drugs
Mark Cuban opened Cost Plus Drug Company in 2022. They boast complete price transparency, so you know how much each medication costs the manufacturers and suppliers. Like GoodRx, there is no cost to join the program. However, prescriptions are available via mail order only.
3. Blink Health
Blink Health is even more similar to GoodRx. They negotiate drug prices, helping you save money at the pharmacy. The program is also free to use. Simply pay for your prescriptions online and pick them up at a participating pharmacy.
4. Kroger Rx Savings Club
Kroger’s line of grocery stores, including Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Food 4 Less, and others, offer a discount drug program for a wide range of generic and brand-name medications. The club does have an annual membership fee.
5. Walmart’s $4 Prescription Program
Unlike Kroger, Walmart’s discount prescription program does not have an annual membership fee. It does offer discounts on nearly 100 generic medications but does not include brand-name options. Prices do vary depending on which state you’re in, and the program isn’t available at North Dakota stores. After filling your first prescription at a local retail store, you can choose to get your refills by mail order.
6. Walgreens’ Prescription Savings Club
The Walgreens Prescription Savings Club is available in all states except Washington, Mississippi, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The program requires an annual membership fee and offers discounts for family memberships. Prescription costs are organized into tiers. Plus, members will earn bonuses on eligible purchases, and discounts are also offered on many pet prescriptions.
7. SingleCare
SingleCare is a free program available to any person who is underinsured or not insured at all. (It may not be helpful for most Medicare beneficiaries unless you do not have a drug plan.) SingleCare works directly with pharmacies to negotiate up to 80% off prescription prices. You can search their online database for discounts, then print, email, or text yourself the coupon to use at a participating pharmacy.
8. Optum Perks
Optum Perks is another free discount drug program. Users search for their medication online, find an associated coupon, then present it at a participating location. There are about 64,000 pharmacies that accept Optum Perks coupons, including big pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, CostCo, and Rite Aid.
Remember, the absolute best way to save money on your prescriptions is by making sure you’re enrolled in the right Part D plan for you. Chat with one of the experts at Carolina Senior Benefits to make sure you’re optimizing your healthcare benefits.
