Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
As the new year begins, many Americans face a familiar challenge: higher out-of-pocket medication costs as insurance deductibles reset. But with smart planning and the right tools, you can lower expenses without compromising care. Whether you take daily prescriptions or need seasonal relief, the RxLess® Assurance Plan can help make 2026 more affordable.
How Prescription Savings Cards Can Cut Costs
Before diving into generics, it’s important to understand how prescription savings cards can help stretch your healthcare budget.
They work at all major pharmacy chains nationwide, including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. To use one, simply download the free RxLess® app, search for your medication, and present your digital coupon at the pharmacy when paying for your prescription. Discounts apply instantly at checkout—no registration or paperwork required.
Is Switching to Generics the Best First Step?
In most cases, yes. Generic medications contain the same active ingredients, dosage strength, and effectiveness as their brand-name counterparts but cost a fraction of the price. According to the FDA, generics can save patients up to 85% per prescription.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about switching to generics whenever possible. Many pharmacies offer frequently prescribed medications for as low as $15 for a 90-day supply. Some commonly used generics include:
- Amlodipine (for high blood pressure; brand name Norvasc)
- Simvastatin (for high cholesterol; brand name Zocor)
- Omeprazole (for acid reflux and heartburn; brand name Prilosec)
- Fluoxetine (for depression and anxiety; brand name Prozac)
- Metformin (for type 2 diabetes; brand name Glucophage)
- Levothyroxine (for thyroid disorders; brand name Synthroid)
What Other Strategies Can Help Reduce Drug Costs?
Even with savings cards and generics, there are additional ways to manage and reduce your medication expenses throughout the year.
Compare Prices Between Pharmacies
Drug prices can vary dramatically from one location to another. A medication that costs $40 at one chain could be under $10 across town.
The RxLess® Assurance Plan Real-Time Price Finder lets you check and compare local prices before filling your prescription—ensuring you always get the best price.
Explore Manufacturer and Patient Assistance Programs
If you’re prescribed a brand-name medication, check for manufacturer co-pay cards or patient assistance programs. Examples include:
- Eliquis® (apixaban) – Bristol Myers Squibb co-pay program
- Ozempic® (semaglutide) – Novo Nordisk Savings Card
- Jardiance® (empagliflozin) – Boehringer Ingelheim assistance program
These can reduce costs significantly, sometimes to as little as $0 for eligible insured patients.
Request a 90-Day Supply
If your provider approves, filling a 90-day prescription instead of a 30-day supply may save you money by reducing per-unit costs and minimizing refill fees or copays. This strategy is especially helpful for chronic medications such as:
- Lisinopril (for hypertension)
- Sertraline (for depression and anxiety)
- Levothyroxine (for hypothyroidism)
- Atorvastatin (for high cholesterol)
You can use the day-supply filter in the RxLess® app or website to see which pharmacies offer the best long-term savings.
How the RxLess® Assurance Plan Makes It Easy to Save
With healthcare costs continuing to rise, the RxLess® Assurance Plan simplifies the process of finding savings and managing prescriptions. The platform provides transparent pricing, instant discounts, and zero sign-ups or hidden fees.
- Free, no-registration coupons accepted at 70,000+ U.S. pharmacies
- Real-time price comparison across nearby locations
- Savings up to 88% on generic medications
- Works with or without insurance
Start Saving Today
Don’t let high prescription costs follow you into the new year. Visit the RxLess® Assurance Plan website or download the free app to compare live pharmacy prices, unlock instant savings, and take control of your 2026 healthcare budget—one prescription at a time.
