Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Have you ever walked into a pharmacy, picked up a prescription, and got surprised at the price? You're not alone. Prescription drug prices vary dramatically between pharmacies—even within the same neighborhood. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for the first price you see. With a little know-how, you can compare pharmacy prices online and save big on your medications. Let’s break down how you can get the best savings.
Why Do Pharmacy Prices Vary So Much?
Many assume prescription prices are set in stone, but that's false. Pharmacies set their prices based on wholesale costs, store markups, and agreements with insurance companies. Even chain pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS may charge different prices depending on location.
If you’re looking for the best price, don’t assume your usual pharmacy has the lowest one. Instead, take a few minutes to compare prices online. The RxLess™ Assurance Plan provides a simple way to check accurate discounted prices at different pharmacies and find coupons that can help you save up to 88% off the retail cost.
How Can I Find the Best Prices on My Medication?
There are several easy ways to make sure you’re getting the lowest price on your prescriptions:
Use online price comparison tools. The free RxLess™ app allows you to enter your medication and dosage into its Real-Time Pricer to see the lowest prices at local pharmacies. This can help avoid overpaying for essential medications like metformin (Riomet) for diabetes or atorvastatin (Lipitor) for cholesterol. At Pharmacy A, Metformin might cost $50, while Pharmacy B lists it for $10 with a RxLess™ discount coupon.
Compare prices with and without insurance. Believe it or not, using your insurance isn’t always the most affordable option. High deductibles, copays, or non-covered medications can make out-of-pocket costs surprisingly high. In many cases, you could save more by using an RxLess coupon instead. Always ask your pharmacist to compare both prices—through your insurance and with a discount coupon—then choose the lowest option. It only takes a moment, and it could lead to big savings.
Can I Save Money with a Pharmacy Discount Card or Coupon?
Absolutely! Prescription discount cards and coupons offered on the RxLess™ app, can help you save significantly on medications. Here’s how they work:
- You don’t need insurance to use them.
- They’re free and available to anyone, no subscription required.
- You simply download the free app and show the discount coupon at the pharmacy for a lower price.
Should I Buy Medication in Bulk?
If you take a medication regularly, purchasing a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply can often save money. Many insurance plans and pharmacies offer discounts for bulk purchases. This is especially useful for long-term medications like lisinopril (Zestril) for blood pressure or levothyroxine (Euthyrox) for thyroid management.
If you’re paying out of pocket, check the RxLess™ Assurance Plan to see if a bulk purchase is the cheapest option. Some pharmacies offer deep discounts on larger fills, while others may not—so always compare before you buy by using the Day Supply filter.
What About Manufacturer Coupons and Patient Assistance Programs?
If prescribed an expensive brand-name medication, check if the manufacturer offers a savings program. Many pharmaceutical companies provide coupons or copay assistance for high-cost prescriptions, such as insulin or specialty medications for chronic conditions.
Patient assistance programs (PAPs) can also provide free or low-cost medications to those who qualify. Non-profit organizations like the Healthwell Foundation and the PAN Foundation may be able to help.
Don’t overpay for your medications—compare prices, use discount tools, and explore assistance programs. Your wallet will thank you!
