7 Ways to Pay Less for Prescription Drugs

Americans pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world. But the price you are quoted at the counter is rarely the only price available, and with the right strategies you can often pay a fraction of it. Here are the most effective ways to save.

1. Use Prescription Discount Cards (GoodRx, RxSaver)

Free discount cards can dramatically reduce prices at retail pharmacies:

• GoodRx: Compare the cash price across nearby pharmacies before you fill

• RxSaver: Similar service with sometimes better prices

• ScriptSave WellRx: Another option to compare

How it works: Show the discount card at the pharmacy instead of using insurance. These prices are often lower than your insurance copay.

2. Compare Pharmacy Prices

Prices vary wildly between pharmacies, even within the same chain:

• Costco: Often has the lowest prices (no membership needed for pharmacy)

• Walmart $4 generics: Many common drugs for $4/month

• Amazon Pharmacy: Competitive pricing with Prime discounts

• Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs: Transparent cost-plus pricing on generics

3. Ask for Generics

Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient as the brand and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard. The FDA lists them as therapeutically equivalent in the Orange Book, and they cost dramatically less:

• Always ask: "Is there a generic available?"

• If no generic exists, ask: "Is there a therapeutic alternative that has a generic?"

• Check when generics will become available for brand-name drugs you take

4. Use Manufacturer Coupons and Patient Assistance

Drug companies offer savings programs:

• Manufacturer coupons: Can reduce brand-name copays to $0-30

• Patient assistance programs: Free medications for qualifying low-income patients

• Find programs at: needymeds.org, rxassist.org, or the drug manufacturer's website

5. Consider International Pharmacies

The same medications are routinely far cheaper in Canada and other countries:

• Only use CIPA-verified Canadian pharmacies (cipa.com)

• Popular options: CanadaPharmacy.com, NorthwestPharmacy.com

• Technically against FDA rules but rarely enforced for personal use quantities

• Some states have programs to help residents buy from Canada

6. Split Pills (With Doctor Approval)

Many medications come in multiple strengths at the same price:

• Ask your doctor to prescribe double-strength pills

• Use a pill splitter to cut them in half

• Example: 20mg pills might cost the same as 10mg pills

• Important: Only do this with doctor approval and for appropriate medications

7. Use 90-Day Mail Order

Mail-order pharmacies often charge less for 90-day supplies:

• Many insurance plans offer better pricing for mail order

• Amazon Pharmacy, Costco, and others offer mail-order generics

• Reduces per-pill cost and number of pharmacy trips

Bonus: State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Many states have programs for seniors and low-income residents:

• Search "[Your State] pharmaceutical assistance program"

• May cover copays or provide medications at reduced cost

• Eligibility varies by state and income level

The bottom line: Never pay full price for prescriptions. Check the cash price at three pharmacies, ask for the generic, and compare that number against your copay before you hand over your insurance card.