Rising prescription prices, even if you have a solid health insurance plan, can break a monthly budget. GoodRx is a frugal way to lower your out-of-pocket prescription costs and help you stay on track.
GoodRx is a database of branded drug savings programs, and offer discounts on non-branded drugs through its relationships with pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. The database includes more than 2,000 available manufacturer discount and patient assistance programs. It offers savings for both insured and non-insured patients, lowering the cost for some patients by as much as 80%.
Can GoodRx save you money on prescription costs? Let’s dig in and find out more!
Photo: GoodRx
The power of a database for comparison shopping
“GoodRx allows consumers to comparison shop their prescription medications to find the best price possible,” says Cindy George, senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. “Not many people realize this, but prescription prices can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy — even between pharmacies on the same block.
We aggregate over 200 billion pricing points daily from across the healthcare ecosystem — including from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), patient assistance programs, and manufacturer discount programs — so that consumers can pick which coupon and pharmacy location works best for them. We list all FDA-approved medications including brand-name medications.”
Founded in 2011, GoodRx has helped consumers save more than $55 billion in prescription costs, with an estimated 80 million prescriptions filled that may not have been affordable for the patient. “Finding affordable medication prices is good for your wallet and for your health.
When faced with a pricey medication, many people may leave it unfilled or ration their doses. But doing this can complicate health issues and cause worse problems later,” says George.
Elie Stowe of Clearwater, Fla., was given a GoodRx card by her physician. “I generally save about $15 on each prescription,” she said. “It’s completely dependent on which store you use.” In Stowe’s case, she found that Costco’s prices are cheaper than those of Walmart, but she found that Walgreen’s and CVS charged a higher price for her prescription. But the pharmacy and the location can play a role in prescription costs, so your results may vary.
How to sign up for free
Photo: GoodRx
Using GoodRx can help you save money and stay on top of your health. And it is free and easy to use:
- Go to GoodRx.com , or download the app on iOS or Android.
- Create an account using your name, date of birth, and email address.
- Once you have signed in, you can search for your prescription by name, dose, and quantity then compare prices at different pharmacies. You’ll also be shown any available manufacturer coupons.
- If you are using a web browser, you can either print your coupon or you can text or email it to your phone. If you’re using the mobile app, your coupon will already be on your phone.
- At the pharmacy counter, present your coupon and the pharmacist will process the transaction using GoodRx instead of your insurance or if you don’t have insurance.
- With a GoodRx account, you can also collect reward points each time you use GoodRx. The points can be redeemed for digital gift cards.
Paid membership plan
For more savings, GoodRx offers a monthly membership service called GoodRx Gold. This membership costs $9.99 per month for an individual plan, or $19.99 per month for a family plan. This service is good for patients who are taking multiple prescriptions. Both plans include free home delivery as well as access to telehealth visits with a licensed healthcare provider starting at $19.
“Even if you have insurance, it’s still a good idea to check the GoodRx price. Often, our price will be cheaper than an insurance copay,” says George. “Plus, we also offer information about similar medications to the one you searched, so if your medication is still out of budget —even with a GoodRx coupon — we’ll help you find affordable alternatives.
In addition to prescription savings, we offer access to affordable and convenient telehealth appointments with licensed healthcare providers via GoodRx Care.”
More than 70,000 pharmacies accept GoodRx. You can use your GoodRx Gold card instead of your prescription insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, if the GoodRx Gold cost is lower. However, GoodRx Gold cannot be combined with a federally funded or state funded program such as Medicare or Medicaid (however, there may be some changes in the future).
If you participate in such a program but find that the GoodRx cost is lower, ask the pharmacist to process the prescription using the GoodRx card instead. The GoodRx purchase is not applied toward a deductible – contact your insurance company and ask if you can submit the receipts of prescriptions purchased with GoodRx Gold.
Can I use GoodRx at all pharmacies?
You just need to ask. If you have the card, present it and see if they are able to give you a discount. All they can say is no!
Will I really save money using GoodRx?
You will! The amount will vary – but you can expect a good discount that is definitely worth your time. Any savings is good savings!
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