Your Guide to the 8 Best Discount Drug Programs in 2023

Prescription drugs can be a significant expense, especially for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Even if you have coverage through a Medicare Part D plan, you may find prescriptions are cheaper using a discount drug plan. Several discount drug plans are available that can help you save money on your medications. 

In this article, we will provide you with a list of the most popular discount drug plans and how they can help you access affordable healthcare. Whether you are looking to save money on your medications or simply want to learn more about your options, this guide is the perfect starting point. So, let's dive in and explore the world of discount drug plans!

What Are Discount Drug Plans?

Discount drug plans are programs that provide discounts on prescription medications to those who are uninsured or underinsured or those who want to save money on their prescriptions. These plans work by negotiating lower prices with pharmaceutical companies, drug manufacturers, and pharmacies and passing on the savings to consumers.

Discount drug plans can be offered by retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Walgreens, or by independent companies, such as GoodRx, SingleCare, and Blink Health. These plans are typically easy to use, requiring only a membership fee or a free registration process, and offer savings on a wide range of medications, from generic drugs to brand-name prescription drugs.

It is important to note that while discount drug plans can offer significant savings on prescription medications, they may not cover all medications and discounts may vary depending on the location and type of medication. In addition, if you are on Medicare, you still need to enroll in a Part D plan to avoid paying a late enrollment penalty.

The 8 Best Discount Drug Programs

The following is a list of the top ten discount drug programs available in the United States. Keep in mind that not all pharmacies choose to participate with all programs, and some only offer mail-order options.

Cost Plus Drug Company

Mark Cuban started Cost Plus Drug Company in 2022. The company offers complete price transparency, so you know exactly how much each prescription costs manufacturers and suppliers. There is no cost to join the program and prescriptions are offered via mail order only.

GoodRx

GoodRx works by negotiating lower prices with pharmaceutical companies, drug manufacturers, and pharmacies and passing those savings on to consumers.

GoodRx is available to anyone, regardless of insurance status, and is completely free to use. To access the discounts, you can simply search for your medication on the GoodRx website or mobile app and then present a GoodRx coupon to the pharmacist at the time of purchase. GoodRx offers discounts on a wide range of medications, from generic drugs to brand-name prescription drugs, and the discounts are updated regularly to ensure that consumers receive the most up-to-date information on pricing.

It is important to note that while GoodRx can offer significant savings on prescription medications, the discounts may vary depending on the location and type of medication.

Blink Health

Like GoodRx, Blink Health negotiates drug prices with the pharmacy industry. To use Blink Health, simply sign up for a free account on their website or mobile app. Then, search for your desired medication and pay for it online. You can pick up the medication at a participating pharmacy. 

Kroger Rx Savings Club

Kroger Rx Savings Club is a discount drug program offered by Kroger, one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States. It offers discounts on a wide range of medications, from generic drugs to brand-name prescription drugs. Club members receive discounts at Kroger pharmacies and at participating pharmacies in the Kroger family of stores, which includes Kroger, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Dillons, and others. To join the club, you must pay an annual membership fee, which provides access to discounted prices.

Walmart’s $4 Prescription Program

Walmart’s prescription program does not require a membership fee. It offers discounts on almost 100 generic prescriptions (no name-brand medications), and customers can get them filled in either 30- or 90-day supplies. Much like Kroger Rx, prices can vary depending on where you live, and the program is not offered in North Dakota. Prescriptions included on the list can change without advanced notice. Customers must get their first prescription filled at a retail location but can then choose to do mail-order.

Walgreens’ Prescription Savings Club

Walgreens has its own Prescription Savings Club that can be used in most of their stores, except for those in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Washington. You must pay an annual membership fee, and they offer family memberships for those who need them. Prescription costs are based on tiers. Members can earn bonuses on eligible purchases, and you can get discounts on prescriptions for your pets, too!

SingleCare

SingleCare is a free program offered to anyone who is not insured or underinsured. They work directly with pharmacies to negotiate up to 80% off prescription drug prices. You can search their online database for your prescription, then print, download, email, or text yourself a SingleCare coupon to use at a participating pharmacy. Members can use SingleCare at more than 35,000 retail pharmacies.

Optum Perks

To use Optum Perks, individuals simply need to sign up for a free account on the Optum Perks website. Then, they can search for their desired medication and find the nearest participating pharmacy. Once the desired medication has been found, individuals can present a coupon from Optum Perks at the time of purchase to receive the discounted price. More than 64,000 pharmacies currently participate with Optum Perks, including big names like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, and CostCo.