Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
The high cost of prescription medications in the United States has been a significant burden for many individuals. In fact, reports suggest that one in three adults in the U.S. cannot afford their prescribed medications. Prescription discount cards and coupons offer a potential solution by reducing medication costs. Here’s a guide to how these programs work and how to make the most of them.
How Do Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons Work?
Prescription discount cards and coupons, such as those available through RxLess, are free programs designed to lower the cost of medications for individuals paying out of pocket. These cards serve as an alternative to health insurance and have grown in popularity since their introduction in the early 2000s.
How Do Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons Provide Savings?
These programs provide savings by giving users access to discounted medication prices at participating pharmacies. Programs like RxLess search millions of medication prices and discounts through trusted prescription savings networks. Program administrators negotiate top discounts with pharmacies and manufacturers on behalf of their users, helping consumers save on their prescriptions. By using these discount cards, individuals can reduce their out-of-pocket expenses while helping pharmacies attract more customers. RxLess, for example, partners with over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide.
When Are Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons Most Helpful?
These programs are particularly useful in the following situations:
- Uninsured or underinsured individuals: For those without health insurance or with inadequate coverage, discount cards can help.
- Chronic conditions: People requiring ongoing medication for chronic conditions can save significantly.
- Medications not covered by insurance: If your insurance doesn’t cover a drug, discount cards can offer an alternative.
- High deductibles or expensive copays: If your insurance plan has a high deductible or requires large copayments, using a discount card might lower the cost.
- Lifestyle medications: Prescription discount cards and coupons can be especially beneficial for medications like Viagra, Propecia, or weight-loss drugs like phentermine, which are often not covered by insurance.
Should You Use Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons or Health Insurance?
A common question is whether to use health insurance or a prescription discount card. In some cases, the out-of-pocket cost with a discount card may be lower than your insurance copay. Discount cards are also helpful if a medication is not included in your insurance company's formulary (approved drug list) or if your copay is particularly high.
However, there are situations where using health insurance is a better option:
- When insurance fully covers the drug: If your insurance plan covers the medication with no or minimal out-of-pocket cost, using insurance is the better option.
- To count expenses toward your deductible: If you’re working to meet your deductible, using insurance will apply the cost of the drug toward that amount.
- For expensive brand-name medications: In many cases, insurance offers better savings on costly brand-name drugs.
What Medications Can Be Purchased Using Discount Cards?
Prescription discount cards and coupons can be used for all FDA-approved brand-name and generic medications. To find out if a medication is eligible for savings, you can search for the medication on RxLess.com. Popular drugs often covered by discount programs include atorvastatin (Lipitor), lisinopril (Zestril), albuterol (Ventolin hfa), omeprazole (Prilosec), levothyroxine (Synthroid), tadalafil (Cialis), gabapentin (Neurontin), and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse).
How to Use Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons
Using these discount cards is simple and straightforward: 1. Obtain the card: Download the RxLess app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, or visit rxless.com. Save the card or coupon to your phone. 2. Compare prices: Use the app or website to compare drug prices at nearby pharmacies. RxLess allows you to search for your medication and find the pharmacy offering the lowest price. 3. Present the card: When picking up your prescription, show the card or coupon on your phone to the pharmacist to receive the discounted price.
Are Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons Free?
Most Prescription discount cards and coupons are free to use. However, some programs may include hidden fees or offer premium membership plans. RxLess, on the other hand, offers its Assurance Plan with no fees or subscriptions. The real-time price finder ensures you never pay more than the price shown in the app. RxLess earns revenue only when the prescription savings program is used—if you don’t save, they don’t make money.
