Prescription drug costs continue to rise, and for many older adults, medications make up a large portion of their monthly budget. Even with Medicare Part D coverage, it’s common to face high copays, uncovered prescriptions, or costs that suddenly change from year to year. Because of this, many people are searching for additional ways to lower their prescription expenses.
One option that more beneficiaries are discovering is Clever Rx. This free prescription savings tool can be used alongside Medicare to help reduce costs at the pharmacy counter. Let’s explore how it works, who can benefit, and how it compares to your Medicare Part D plan.
What Is Clever Rx?
Clever Rx is a prescription discount program that provides access to lower drug prices at thousands of pharmacies across the country. Unlike insurance, Clever Rx doesn’t require an enrollment process, monthly premium, or eligibility requirements. Instead, it functions like a discount card or app that you show at the pharmacy when you fill a prescription.
The savings come from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which negotiate discounted cash prices for medications. Clever Rx passes those negotiated prices directly to consumers. For many drugs (especially generics) the savings can be significant, sometimes reaching up to 80% off retail costs.
How Does Clever Rx Work?
Using Clever Rx is simple and only takes a few steps. You can either download the Clever Rx mobile app or request a Clever Rx savings card. Once you have it, you can search for your medication within the app or online. The platform will show you prices at nearby pharmacies, allowing you to compare before you go.
When you arrive at the pharmacy, simply present the Clever Rx card or digital code from your app to the pharmacist. The discount is applied immediately, and you’ll pay the reduced cash price instead of the standard retail price. There are no forms to complete and no waiting for reimbursement. It’s instant savings at the counter.
Because Clever Rx is free, there’s no risk in trying it. Many people keep the app handy and check it whenever they need a prescription filled, just in case it offers a better deal than their insurance.
Clever Rx versus Medicare Part D
It’s important to understand how Clever Rx fits in with Medicare coverage. Medicare Part D is an insurance plan that helps cover prescription medications. Clever Rx, on the other hand, is a discount program. Because it’s not insurance, you cannot use Clever Rx and your Part D plan together on the same prescription. You’ll need to choose one or the other at the pharmacy counter.
In some cases, your Part D copay will be lower, particularly for brand-name drugs. In other cases, the Clever Rx cash price may be the cheapest option. For instance, a $10 generic medication under Clever Rx might cost $20 under your Part D plan. In this scenario, using Clever Rx makes more sense.
However, it’s also worth noting that if you choose Clever Rx instead of your Part D coverage, the amount you pay does not count toward your Part D deductible or True Out-of-Pocket (TROOP) costs. This means Clever Rx is best used strategically, especially for medications that aren’t covered by your plan or for those with consistently lower cash prices.
Benefits of Using Clever Rx
One of the biggest advantages of Clever Rx is its simplicity. It doesn’t require an application or membership—anyone can use it, regardless of age or insurance status. The savings are immediate, and the app makes it easy to see which pharmacy in your area offers the best price before you ever leave home.
The potential savings can be substantial. Many users report discounts of 40% to 80% on common medications, especially generics. Since Clever Rx works at most major chains as well as many independent pharmacies, chances are good that your local pharmacy participates.
Things to Keep in Mind
While Clever Rx is a great tool, it’s not a replacement for Medicare prescription drug coverage. Because it doesn’t function as insurance, the money you spend using it won’t apply to your Part D deductible or out-of-pocket threshold. That’s why it’s important to think of Clever Rx as a complement to your Medicare coverage rather than a substitute.
Savings also vary. Not every prescription will be cheaper with Clever Rx, and sometimes your insurance will provide a better rate. The best approach is to check both your Part D plan pricing and Clever Rx before filling your prescription so you can choose the lowest-cost option each time.
Making the Most of Clever Rx
Managing prescription costs is one of the most common challenges seniors face with Medicare. Clever Rx offers a straightforward, free way to potentially lower what you pay at the pharmacy. While it doesn’t replace Medicare Part D coverage, it can be an excellent complement for medications not covered by your plan or for times when the Clever Rx price is simply cheaper.
At Carolina Senior Benefits, we’re committed to helping you navigate every part of your Medicare coverage, including your prescription costs. If you’d like to learn more about Clever Rx, how it works alongside your Medicare plan, or whether it could save you money, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation and let us simplify your healthcare choices.
