28 Of The Top Prescription Discount Cards: How Much Can You Save?
Key Points:
- Pharmacy discount cards can save you up to 80% off the cost of your prescriptions. They are free and, with some restrictions, can be used whether you have insurance or not.
- Discount cards are not insurance, some can be used with insurance while others cannot.
- Each company that offers pharmacy discount cards wants you to choose their cards whether it is the lowest price or not. Pricing can vary depending on the prescription, the pharmacy, and the day.
- Prescription discount card companies negotiate discounts on bulk purchases of medications and then pass the savings on to you. When you redeem the coupon, the company charges the pharmacy a fee.
Do you have high deductible insurance, take medications that are not covered by your prescription drug plan, have high co-payments or benefit caps, or fall in the donut hole of Medicare Part D?
If so, prescription discount cards may save you up to 80% off the cost of your prescriptions.
Prescription discount cards are separate from your insurance. Consider them more like coupons. Like other coupons, used correctly, they can yield large savings with few to no downsides.
Nearly all prescription discount cards are offered free of charge. Providers partner with wholesalers to get medications at discounted prices. They are paid a fee when you use their card.
It may take some work to determine whether to use one discount card or another, or whether to use your insurance, but the savings are likely to be well worth your time.
How Prescription Discount Cards Work
Why so many prescription discount cards? The goal of each discount card is to entice you to use THEIR card even if it doesn’t offer you the most competitive price on your prescription.
Each discount card provider has struck a deal with a network of pharmacies to offer a basket of prescription medications at discounted prices.
While the coverage may be different, the process to get a card is the same.
Here are the steps:
- Download the pharmacy discount card app or visit their website to search for your medication.
- Review the list of pharmacies and their prices.
- Select the option that works best for you.
- Download and print the discount card or show your email or text to the pharmacist to receive your discount.
You can use some prescription discount cards with your insurance, others you cannot. Some insurance plans will apply your final prescription cost when using the discount card to your deductible, others will not. It is a good idea to check with both your pharmacist and insurance carrier to verify their policy for using prescription discount cards.
“If the discount card is lower, use it instead of your health plan. To receive credit against your deductible, you will need to file the drug as a paper claim. You can access paper claims through your health insurance carriers’ web portal. It’s worth the extra effort. Check it out.” Scott R. Heiser in Healthcare is Making Me Sick.
The discounts available using prescription discount cards are constantly changing, it is important to check frequently to ensure you are getting the best possible discount.
Twenty-eight prescription discount cards are reviewed in this article. Each of the reviews includes a link to the prescription discount card website. Price your prescription medications at as many different websites as you can to get a sense of the range of prices offered.
Prescription Discount Cards
AARP
Accepted at:
Over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Over 300 million dollars saved, individual percent savings not disclosed
Pros:
AARP partnered with the pharmacy benefits manager OptumRx to provide a prescription drug card for both members and nonmembers. Home delivery is available.
Cons:
AARP opened its program to nonmembers but does caution that members receive more benefits and better savings.
Users enter the drug name, along with its form, dosage, and quantity, into the search engine. When a member price is selected first, followed by a nonmember, the price difference is significant. AARP members can also opt for home delivery.
America’s Drug Card
Accepted at:
Over 80% of pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
An average of 15% off brand-name medications and 55% off generics
Pros:
America’s Drug Card has a mobile app and a search engine that allows users to compare drug prices at local pharmacies.
America’s Drug Card has partnered with other organizations to offer mail-order services, pet medications, and CBD products.
Cons:
Has a program for which reps can earn a commission. Pharmacies have to jump through hoops to participate in the program and, therefore, some refuse.
America’s Pharmacy
Accepted at:
Over 62,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings
Average around 54% off retail prices
Pros:
America’s Pharmacy offers a search engine to help you find your prescription medications at the lowest prices at your local pharmacies.
Pharmacy cards can be downloaded from the website or they can be emailed, texted, or mailed to your home. You can also use their easy-to-use app.
Cons:
The program cannot be used with any insurance plan or government-funded programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
Blink Health
Accepted at:
Over 35,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
Prescriptions can be picked up at the pharmacy or delivered directly to your home.
Blink Health also provides telemedicine for certain conditions.
Cons:
Limited coverage for medications when compared to other programs.
BuzzRx
Accepted at:
Over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices with an average discount of 60%
Pros:
Buzz Rx users can download their card or receive the card by text, mail, or email. Users can search for their prescriptions on the website or use the app.
When you use their prescription card, they donate to one of their nonprofit partners, such as local food banks, Make-A-Wish, the ASPCA, or the National Kidney Foundation.
Buzz Rx has partnered with Walgreens and customers who use that pharmacy chain may receive greater savings.
Cons:
Cannot be used in conjunction with any third-party payer program, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Choice Drug Card
Accepted at
Many chain pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 85% off retail prices
Pros:
Easy to use prescription discount cards can be downloaded and shared.
Cons:
Restricted to some states. On their website, Choice Drug Card lists the states where the card can be used.
Very little information is available on their website.
Costco
Accepted at:
Costco and participating pharmacies
Savings:
Range from 2% to 40% off retail prices
Pros:
Aside from the cost of a Costco membership, there are no additional fees associated with the program.
Cons:
Only Costco members and eligible dependents can participate in the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP).
It cannot be used with government or state programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Discount Drug Network
Accepted at:
Up to 65,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings
Up to 85% off retail prices with an average savings of $200 per year
Pros:
All FDA-approved medications are eligible for the discount. Their online drug pricing tool suggests any alternative generic drugs for your prescription. Their information is very well organized.
Cons:
None
Drugs.com
Accepted at:
Over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
The card can be used for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and medical supplies if they are written on a prescription. Discounts on pet prescription medications are also available.
Cons:
Unlike many other programs, there is no search engine or coupon offer. Users can print the card, bring it to their pharmacy and receive any available discounts.
Easy Drug Card
Accepted at:
Over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices on generic prescriptions and 15% on brand-name prescriptions
Pros:
Easy to use. Search for your prescription drug using their search engine, download the card, and take it to your pharmacy.
Cons:
None
FreeDrugCard.us
Accepted at:
Over 68,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
This program supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Organizations can private label the prescription assistance program to fit their brand.
Provides information on chain pharmacy savings plans, such as Walmart $4.00 medications.
A very comprehensive website that lists non-covered drugs and insurance formularies.
Sample pricing is provided on the website, as well as a list of coupon prescription categories and drugs. Preactivated cards are also available.
Cons:
The program is not available in Arkansas, Montana, and Vermont.
GoodRx
Accepted at:
Over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
As much as 80% off retail prices
Pros:
GoodRx does not require registration, but they advise that additional discounts may be available if you create a free account.
GoodRx offers a discount card that can be presented at any pharmacy, but they recommend downloading the most recent coupon to get the best discount.
GoodRx Gold is a monthly membership program that offers a single discount card that can be used for all your purchases. This program is advertised to provide savings of nearly 40% off GoodRx’s already discounted prices.
Cons:
Not all pharmacies accept GoodRx Gold, including Walgreens, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Publix. Home delivery is only available with GoodRx Gold.
InsideRx
Accepted at:
Over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
Unlike other websites, Inside Rx lists discount restrictions. Some medications do not have discounts available to those 65 and older, others are not available to users enrolled in federal or state-funded benefit programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare.
Inside Rx also administers Express Scripts Parachute Rx. This is a limited-time program that will be restricted to generic prescriptions only beginning July 1, 2021. The program assists those who are unemployed or underinsured as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cons:
If you participate in a state or federally funded health care program, you cannot use Inside Rx to purchase specific featured brand medications, even if you elect to pay for the prescription outside of your insurance.
NeedyMeds
Accepted at:
Over 62,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices with an average savings of 60%
Pros:
Users can print the card or have one mailed to them. A $5 donation is requested if users prefer a mailed prescription card.
NeedyMeds prescription discount cards can also be used on prescribed over-the-counter and on pet medications. They also offer a 5% discount on lab tests.
Cons:
None
Optum Perks
Accepted at:
Over 64,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
Optum also offers Optum Store. The store does not accept insurance or prescription cards. Instead, they work with medication wholesalers to offer prescriptions at a discounted price and ship them directly to you. Optum Perks also offers both a coupon program and a discount card.
Cons:
States that the majority of the time it will be better to use your insurance to get lower prices.
Pharmacy Card
Accepted at:
Over 63,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Between 10% and 75% off retail prices
Pros:
PharmacyCard.org emphasizes that they value your privacy and support local pharmacies.
Pharmacy Card partners with other organizations to provide additional health-related discount programs, such as nutrition services and lab testing.
Cons:
Their website frequently crashes.
RxCareCard
Accepted at:
35,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off the retail prices on generics and 20% on brand-name prescriptions
Pros:
The card covers all FDA-approved name brand and generic prescription medications. The card is valid for both human and pet prescriptions. RxCareCard also offers a discount on vaccines at Walgreens.
Cons:
None
Rx for Miracles
Accepted at:
Over 68,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
Rx for Miracles is a prescription drug card that donates funds to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. These donations help support pediatric healthcare.
Cons:
Unlike most other prescription drug cards, the cards are distributed through your physician’s office. Your physician can enter your phone number or email, and the prescription savings coupon is sent via text or email. Physicians can also order hard copies of the cards to distribute to their patients.
RxFreeCard
Accepted at:
Over 65,000 U.S. pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off the retail prices on generic and pet medications and 15% off brand-name
Pros:
RxFreeCard offers a commission program for businesses. If businesses distribute their cards to employees, they might be eligible to receive a small commission.
Cons:
The website lacked a search engine for locating prescription prices at participating pharmacies.
RxSaver
Accepted at:
Over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 85% off retail prices on 6,000 medications
Pros:
RxSaver also offers a RxAdvocacy Program for a monthly fee of $60.00. This program is intended to work with you on a long-term basis to help you obtain your high-cost maintenance medications. You are welcome to join whether or not you have insurance.
Cons:
Users can search for brand-name or generic medications on their website and app. RxSaver prioritizes its preferred pharmacies. You need to select “see more” for more options.
ScriptSave WellRx
Accepted at:
Over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices with an average savings of 65%
Pros:
ScriptSave WellRx has a website and app that enables users to search for their prescription medication, select the form, dosage, quantity, and location, and then receive pricing. The website provides additional value by offering:
- Drug information
- Drug interactions
- Images
- Videos
- Lifestyle interactions
- Monographs
- Pediatric monographs
Most of these options require users to set up a free account.
ScriptSave WellRX also offers grocery guidance, an A.I.-powered tool that assists you in finding the most nutritious food products. As you make food choices, the website displays the food score, calories per serving, and the number of ingredients in each product.
Cons:
Home delivery is not offered.
SingleCare
Accepted at:
Over 35,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
If you register with their site, you are offered a $5.00 discount on your next prescription under their Bonus Savings Program. Users can also earn discounts that can be applied to future prescriptions.
Cons:
A smaller program than its major competitors.
SlashRX
Accepted at:
Over 67,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 87% off retail prices on generic drugs and 20% on brand names
Pros:
Slash Rx offers a discount for both human and pet prescriptions. Their card is accepted for all FDA-approved medications. They have negotiated discounts on both brand-name and generic medications.
Cons:
SlashRx cards cannot be combined with any other insurance, copay card, manufacturer coupon, government-subsidized program, or any other secondary payer.
Sun Association
Accepted at:
Over 65, 000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Not listed
Pros:
Sun Association is a free discount prescription card program created by a physician to provide discounted prescriptions through economies of scale.
Cons:
The website did not include a search engine to search prescription prices at local pharmacies. Very basic website.
SuperRxCard
Accepted at:
Over 68,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 75% off retail prices. Generic drug savings can be as high as 75%, with an average of 32%. Brand-name drug savings can be as high as 50%, with an average of 10-20%.
Pros:
There is no membership fee or registration required to get a SuperRx card. Users simply print the card and get their discount at the pharmacy.
Super Rx has negotiated drug discounts and rebates from drug manufacturers through a pharmacy benefits manager.
A well-designed website with detailed answers for Medicare Part D enrollees.
Cons:
None
TrueRxSavings
Accepted at:
Over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices for generic drugs and 15% off brand-name drugs
Pros:
All FDA-approved medications are covered. The discount applies to prescriptions for humans and pets.
Their website contains a comprehensive list of pharmacies.
Cons:
None
USA RX
Accepted at:
Over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
Users can search for medications on both their website and through their mobile app. After users input their prescription drug, strength, and quantity, a coupon is generated. Detailed information is given about the prescription including generic and brand names, uses, average savings, and drug information.
Cons:
None
USPharmacyCard
Accepted at:
Over 59,000 pharmacies nationwide
Savings:
Up to 80% off retail prices
Pros:
A convenient search engine allows users to search for pharmacies and medication prices at nearby pharmacies. Users can select custom quantities if needed.
SingleCare powers the pharmacy card.
U.S. pharmacy card partners with MeMD to provide telehealth.
Cons:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a prescription discount card?
In most cases, prescription discount cards are free. However, some companies offer upgrade packages that charge a fee. Beware of these increased fees. Ensure that they offer added value to you.
Do prescription discount card companies need your personal health and financial information?
Prescription discount card companies should not ask for personal health information. You should not need to complete any lengthy sign-up forms or provide your social security number, credit card information, home address, or phone number.
Do all cards offer the same discount?
No, each company negotiates a contract with wholesalers and pharmacies to get discounts.
Can you transfer your prescription to a cheaper pharmacy?
Yes, you can ask your doctor’s office to send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy. Another option is to call the pharmacy you would like to transfer the prescription to and ask them to call your current pharmacy to get the prescription transferred.
Is a drug discount card the same as insurance?
A drug discount card program is not insurance. It provides users with a discounted price on prescriptions. Users should compare the discounted price with their copay for their insurance.
Who can benefit from prescription cards?
Anyone can benefit, but if you are in these categories, you may notice even greater savings:
- Those without insurance or prescription benefits
- Those who pay high co-payments for their medications
- Those with high deductible insurance plans
- Those who do not want to submit their prescriptions to their insurance
- Those who cannot afford COBRA insurance after job loss
- Those who are in the donut hole of their Medicare Part D coverage
Can you use your prescription discount card with your insurance?
No, you cannot combine the discounts from a prescription discount card with other insurance, copay cards, manufacturer coupons, government-subsidized programs, or any other secondary payer. Instead, you must choose whether to use your insurance or your prescription discount card after comparing the prices.
How do you choose which prescription discount card to use?
- Do you belong to an organization that offers a prescription discount card? If so, check their prices to serve as a reference to compare other prices against.
- Do you need medications for dependents and pets? Check with programs that offer these additional benefits.
- Do you highly value your internet privacy? Look for programs that do not collect personal information before offering a card.
- Do you have time to shop around? If so, compare multiple programs and search multiple pharmacies, you are likely to find a wide range of prices.
