By: Consumer Reports Updated 20 Apr 2022, 18: 02 pm EDT
The pandemic has prompted more Americans to shop online, and purchasing medications is no exception. In addition to the mail-order business of big chains like CVS and Walgreens, and established online sellers like Amazon and Costco.com, there are now many new online pharmacy options like GeniusRx, Honeybee Health, Ro Pharmacy , ScriptCo Pharmacy and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co.
But, although in many cases they offer minimum prices, buying drugs online is not the only way to save. These are some others.
1. Use GoodRx coupons at a pharmacy without an appointment
GoodRx is a company that provides free coupons that offer you discounts on medications. Available on their website or through the GoodRx app, coupons can save you 80% off the retail price of generic medications at select pharmacies. To save even more, consider joining the GoodRx Gold program, which gives you access to more than 1, Drugs for less than $15 per prescription. An individual membership costs $15 per month; for $23 per month you can add five family members, friends or even your pets. Another advantage: those who have Primary Gold also get telehealth medical visits starting at $19.
two. See Walgreens and Walmart discount programs
Enrolling in the Walgreens Prescription Drug Savings Club Program allows you to fill prescriptions for hundreds of generic drugs for $7 .80, $10 or $15 for a supply of 30 days or $15, $20 or $30 for a supply of 90 days without the need for insurance. Membership costs $23 per year for one person or $35 for a family. Walmart’s Free Prescription Drug Program makes dozens of medications available for $4 for a month’s supply or $10 for 90 days. Another plus: Grocery stores like Kroger, HEB and others also offer generic drug discount programs. Check those in your area for more details.
3. Look up generic drugs offered by your insurer
If you have an Aetna health insurance plan, for example, you can use the Aetna Rx Discount Pharmacy Card (PDF) at participating pharmacies in the insurer’s network for preferred rates.
Call the number on the back of your insurance card to find a pharmacy near you. Or, if your drug coverage is through CVS/Caremark, you can get discounts on several dozen select generics when you fill your prescription at a CVS pharmacy or through CVS.com.
4. Look for copay coupons or patient assistance programs
Getting a discount off the retail price of a brand-name drug is a little more complicated than for a generic, but is still possible.
Drug manufacturers offer copay discount programs if you sign up, but only if you have insurance. For people whose incomes meet certain thresholds, a pharmaceutical company’s assistance program may provide free medications, even to some people without insurance.
You’ll find manufacturer discount programs for medications on the GoodRx website or app.
Another bonus: Check out NeedyMeds for free help finding and submitting documentation for many manufacturer programs.
5. Ask your local pharmacy for a discount
Unlike chain pharmacies, which have fixed cash prices, your community pharmacy may have more flexibility in setting prices. drug prices, says Doug Hoey, CEO of the National Association of Community Pharmacists. And Brandy Letson, owner of Cashiers Valley Pharmacy in Cashiers, North Carolina, says her local independent pharmacy can sometimes match or even beat the low prices of a chain or online pharmacy, but you need to ask.
Editor’s note: This article was also published in the May issue of 2022 from Consumer Reports magazine.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a fair, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.