Many prescriptions go unfilled because people can’t afford to pay for them. But those prescriptions may be more affordable than you think. In recent years, major discount stores, and also some grocers, have started generic drug programs that will allow you to buy a 30-day supply of commonly used medications for just $4.
If you’re wondering why generics are so affordable, here’s why: Generic medications are copies of name-brand drugs. They have the same ingredients, so in most cases, they’re just as effective. The reason generics are less expensive is that drug companies haven’t spent money on marketing them, as they have with brand-name drugs.
Keep in mind that if you’re insured, you may pay more or less under these programs, depending on your health plan coverage. So always ask before ordering.
Here’s a rundown of the major $4 generic drug programs:
Walmart/Sam’s Club
- Offers up to a 30-day supply of certain generic drugs in commonly prescribed doses for $4 (while supplies last). Higher doses will cost more.
- Offers a 90-day supply of those same drugs for $10; however, not all drugs covered under the $4 program are covered under the $10 program.
- Has pro-rated pricing for quantities between 30 and 90 days.
- Prices may be higher in some states (see Retail Drug List).
Walmart publishes a complete list of $4 prescriptions on its website, but the easiest way to see if your drug is covered is to use its online search engine.
Target
- Offers up to a 30-day supply of certain generic drugs in commonly prescribed doses for $4 (while supplies last). Higher doses will cost more.
- Offers a 90-day supply of those same drugs for $10.
- Prices may be higher in California, Hawaii, Minnesota, Montana, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
- Target publishes a complete list of $4 prescriptions on its website both alphabetically and by condition.
Kroger
- Offers up to a 30-day supply of certain generic drugs in commonly prescribed doses for $4 (while supplies last). Higher doses will cost more.
- Offers a 90-day supply of those same drugs for $10.
- Prices may be higher in California and Montana.
Kroger publishes a complete list of $4 prescriptions on its website both alphabetically and by drug category.
Regional supermarkets, such as Publix and Hyvee, also offer discount generic drugs, so it’s worth checking with your supermarket to see what’s on the list.
Getting the best deal
As you can see, the plans are all quite similar, although the drugs that are covered may differ. Now that you know what each covers, here’s how you can use that information to get the best deal:
- See if the drug(s) you’re taking is covered under the $4 plan in the dose and form you are taking.
- If your drug is covered, but not in the right dose or form, print the list of drugs (including doses) that are covered. Take the list to your doctor and ask if he or she can either switch you to a comparable drug on the list or adjust your dose. In some cases, this may not be possible, but if you’re struggling to pay for your medications, your doctor will likely want to do everything possible to help.
- If your prescription is listed, ask your doctor if it can be changed from a 30-day supply to a 90-day supply, which will save you an extra $2 every 90 days.
- If you’re living in an area where the prices are higher under one plan, compare plans to see if the $4 option is available under another plan. If not, see which one is cheapest.
- If you’re insured, ask each pharmacy what your cost will be under your health plan; then compare prices. If your copay is higher than you would pay under the pharmacy’s generic plan, ask if you can pay cash instead of going through the insurance company.
