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Prescription drug prices in the United States continue to rise, making it difficult for many people to afford the medications they need. This article outlines the most effective ways to get a prescription discount, including savings cards, digital coupons, and manufacturer and nonprofit assistance programs.
By the end, you’ll know how to:
- Compare pharmacy cash prices with insurance copays
- Use free prescription discount tools and cards
- Apply for manufacturer and federal savings programs
- Find options if discounts aren’t enough
- Get personalized support through Klarity Health
Book an appointment with Klarity Health today to receive prescriptions and expert advice on how to get a prescription discount.
Need a prescription online?
Licensed providers on Klarity Health will assess your needs online and prescribe medications if it’s clinically appropriate.
Ways to get a prescription discount
1. Use Discount Cards and Coupon Platforms
Free savings tools, such as GoodRx, SingleCare, Optum Perks, ScriptSave WellRx, and the Drugs.com Discount Card, can reduce your prescription costs by up to 80% at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide. GoodRx also offers real-time price comparisons.
2. Check Chain Pharmacy Generic Programs
Major retailers like Walmart offer low-cost generics,typically $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply. These programs cover a wide range of commonly prescribed medications.
3. Explore Manufacturer Coupons and Co-pay Assistance
Pharmaceutical companies often provide co-pay savings cards, free trial offers, or first-fill discounts to patients. For example, Novartis has previously offered a free one-month supply of Entresto to eligible new patients. These programs help lower out-of-pocket costs when insurance coverage is limited.
4. Look Into Government and Nonprofit Savings Programs
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) from organizations such as RxAssist and PhRMA provide free or discounted medications to eligible individuals.
- The 340B Drug Pricing Program gives qualifying clinics access to medications at reduced prices.
- In California, the Medi-Cal program requires pharmacies to offer medications at the Medi-Cal rate plus $0.15 per unit. Other states may have different rules so be sure tocheck your local guidelines.
5. Ask About Generics or Therapeutic Alternatives
Generics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) work the same as brand-name medications and usually cost 40%–80% less. If appropriate, your provider may also recommend a different but equally effective medication that’s more affordable.
6. Compare Prices Across Pharmacies
Drug prices can vary widely. Tools like GoodRx and Drugs.com let you compare pharmacy pricing in real-time to find the best deal in your area.
What are the cheapest ways to get prescription drugs?
There are many ways to get a discount on prescription medications, but the below strategies offer some of the lowest overall prices, often drastically undercutting even discounted copays and coupon rates:
1. Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs
Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs model works by purchasing generic drugs directly from manufacturers and then selling them to consumers with a flat 15% markup, plus a $3 pharmacy fee and a $5 shipping fee. It has cut chronic cancer drug costs dramatically. For example, imatinib can cost $47–$14 a month, versus $ 1,500 or more, saving patients thousands of dollars annually. This platform requires out-of-pocket payment without insurance claims.
2. Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP)
Membership-based warehouse club, Costco, offers discounts ranging from 20–30% routinely to up to 90% with manufacturer coupons. In-store pricing is pre-negotiated, but GoodRx and WellRx coupons are accepted on top of these negotiated prices.
3. Generics & Authorized Generics
The FDA confirms generics are 40–50% less costly than their brand-name equivalents. However, it’s essential to select authorized generics that are produced by the brand-name manufacturer, identical in formulation to the brand, and priced more affordably.
4. Pill Splitting
Pill splitting is the practice of dividing a medicine tablet into two pieces, usually to obtain a lower dose of the active ingredient. It can be cost-effective for drugs sold in higher-dose forms, but not all medications qualify, so consult your pharmacist first. Avoid splitting extended-release, enteric-coated, or narrow therapeutic index drugs without provider approval for safety and efficacy reasons.
5. GoodRx & Similar Coupon Programs
Coupon programs like GoodRx can reduce the cost of certain drugs by up to 80–90% off the list price. Coupon prices can fluctuate, and when using them, you cannot bill your prescription to insurance for that fill, which may impact out-of-pocket maximums.
6. Medicare Extra Help & State Programs
Medicare’s Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) may save several thousand dollars annually, depending on income and prescriptions. Refer to Medicare.gov for personalized estimates.California’s Medi-Cal mandates set max prices at the Medi-Cal rate + $0.15 co‑pay
What to do if you can’t afford your prescription after discounts
1. Apply for Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
Pharmaceutical manufacturers, nonprofits, and government entities offer programs that provide free or low-cost medications to eligible individuals (uninsured or underinsured). Each program sets its own eligibility rules, often based on income and insurance status. For example:
- Pfizer RxPathways offers free Pfizer medications to those with limited income.
- PAN Foundation’s FundFinder connects patients with over 200 assistance programs.
2. Use Charitable & Nonprofit Programs
Organizations such as RxAssist, NeedyMeds, HealthWell Foundation, and Patient Advocate Foundation offer grants or coupons to help cover prescription costs. These programs may require proof of income and involvement from the provider.
3. Tap Federal & State Government Aid
- Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) significantly reduces or eliminates Medicare Part D costs for those meeting income/resource thresholds.
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) offer additional help, especially in states like California (e.g., Medi-Cal pricing).
- AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) provide tailored support for HIV medications.
4. Enroll in Charity Care or Free Clinics
Hospitals and community clinics often provide charity care to patients who cannot afford their medications. You may receive treatment and drugs at a drastically reduced cost or even for free, depending on your income and the provider’s policy.
5. Explore Drug Redistribution Programs
SIRUM partners with clinics to redistribute unopened, unexpired medications that would otherwise go to waste, providing low-income patients access at no cost. But these programs are limited by state laws and expiration dates, and availability varies by clinic.
6. Talk to Your Doctor or Pharmacist
Healthcare providers may:
- Provide free sample packs of new drugs
- Offer alternative medications, including generics or therapeutic substitutes
- Help with insurance appeals or prior authorizations if a medication is denied.
7. Use Account-Based Savings (HSA/FSA)
If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you can pay out-of-pocket prescriptions with pre-tax dollars, reducing your overall cost.
8. Consider Clinical Trials
If you’re on a high-cost medication, clinical trials may offer the drug at a reduced cost or even for free while transitioning it to the market. Participation is voluntary, and clinical trials have eligibility criteria, geographic constraints, and are not always successful. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for eligibility.
Getting a discount on your prescription is possible
U.S. drug prices are among the world’s highest. Generics and coupons can help, but may not fully offset costs. If you’re looking for a discount, be sure to compare pharmacies and use discount cards or manufacturer programs. If discounts aren’t enough, try assistance programs or ask providers for samples and lower-cost options. Staying proactive and re-checking costs periodically, exploring 90-day and mail options, and maximizing tax-advantaged savings can help.
Looking for a prescription online?
Klarity Health connects you with providers who assess your needs and may prescribe medication when clinically appropriate.
FAQs about how to get a prescription discount
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
