Prescription Discount Cards

If paying for your prescription medications is a struggle, you're not alone. In the U.S., 7.5 million seniors are unable to afford the medicine prescribed by their doctor.1 This has led to some older adults skipping or rationing their medication,2 which can be detrimental to your overall health.

Luckily, there are several ways to lower the cost of your prescription medications. One of them is a prescription discount card. Keep reading to see which cards are the best for seniors. Plus, we’ll answer common questions older adults have about prescription discount cards, so you can decide if signing up for one is right for you!

Expert Insights

From Dr. Reshma Kapadia Patel, PharmD, deprescribing pharmacist and medication safety expert

In my experience as a deprescribing pharmacist, many patients want to take an active role in managing their medications, but the process can feel more complex than expected. Tools like prescription discount cards can be helpful, but they also add another layer of decision-making. I encourage patients to ask questions, stay organized, and find a system that feels manageable for them day to day, not just what looks best on paper.

Prescription discount cards provide consumers with significant savings on their medications. You can think of it as a Sam's Club or Costco membership card –– but for medicine instead of giant packs of toilet paper. Also, there is no enrollment fee! Keep in mind that some drugs aren't discounted at all, while others could be discounted up to 85 percent. All you have to do is flash your card (or your cell phone) at the pharmacy to receive the discount.

Similar to coupons, these discount cards are free and have no additional fees to use. Prescription discount card companies make a profit by charging the participating pharmacies in their network a small fee for each transaction. So, it’s all savings for you!

Seniors can start saving on their prescription medications in three simple steps.

1. Sign up for a prescription discount card on the company's website. Usually, all you have to enter is your name and email address. If you want the card texted or mailed to you, then you'll need to enter your phone number and/or mailing address.
2. Next, you'll use the company's search tool (either on their website or mobile app) to find the lowest prices for your medication. It'll show you which pharmacy in your area has the best deal on your specific medication. Score!
3. Once you've selected the pharmacy you want to purchase from, you'll call your physician and have them send your prescription there. When you pick up your medicine, just show your membership card to the person ringing up your purchase. You can download the membership card to your phone or print it out and take it with you.

Expert Insights

From Dr. Reshma Kapadia Patel, PharmD, deprescribing pharmacist and medication safety expert

What seems simple at first, like using a discount card, can become more complicated when patients are managing multiple medications, refills, and pharmacies. I often see people trying to keep track of different prices and pickup locations, which can quickly feel overwhelming without a clear system in place.

Do I Need a Prescription Discount Card?

Since these cards are free, there is no reason not to consider a prescription discount card to help combat rising drug prices.3 Whether you take multiple medications a day or just need a prescription filled a few times a year, having one of these cards handy can keep money in your pocket. Discount cards are especially useful if you have a high-deductible plan or one of your medications isn't covered by your health insurance.

In addition to saving you money on your drugs, many prescription discount cards have perks for users to keep them living a healthy lifestyle. That's extra important as we age!

These are some prescription discount card features:

• Free mail delivery
• Medication reminders
• Grocery and nutrition guidance
• Manufacturer coupons
• Mobile app
• Pill identifier

How Much Can I Save With a Prescription Discount Card?

As mentioned above, discounts vary greatly by prescription and pharmacy. Some medications are not discounted at all, while others may be discounted up to 80 percent (we've even seen 95 percent on some!). These savings can be significant, especially if you're among the 36 percent of seniors who take multiple medications per day.4

Expert Insights

From Dr. Reshma Kapadia Patel, PharmD, deprescribing pharmacist and medication safety expert

One of the biggest things I look at with patients is whether a system is sustainable. Saving money is important, but if the process becomes too complicated or time-consuming, it can lead to missed refills or frustration. The best approach is one that patients can realistically maintain over time.

It’s important to remember that prescription discount cards aren’t an insurance replacement. So, don't go dropping your Medicare Part D plan! You'll choose between your insurance or discount card at the time of checkout –– whichever one offers you the lowest out-of-pocket cost. If you choose to use the prescription discount card, keep in mind that the cost won't go toward your insurance plan's deductible.

Now that you know how prescription discount cards can help you save, let's take a look at popular providers who offer them!

GoodRx

GoodRx is one of the most widely known prescription discount card programs, accepted at more than 70,000 pharmacies across the U.S. You can save up to 80 percent on medications using the free GoodRx card. They also have a subscription option for $5.99 per month called GoodRx Gold that unlocks even steeper discounts. Their mail-order option, pill-identifier features, and mobile app are all great perks as well.

WellRx

WellRx has some of the best wellness tools we’ve seen for a prescription discount card program, which speaks to its mission of keeping consumers healthy! Things like medication reminders, drug side-effect tracking, and grocery guidance can all benefit your overall wellness. The card is accepted at over 65,000 drugstores, saving you up to 80 percent on your medications.

America's Pharmacy

Despite its name, America's Pharmacy isn't actually a pharmacy. It's a prescription discount card that can be used at 62,000 pharmacies nationwide. We were impressed with the company's easy-to-use mobile app, an excellent feature for smartphone-savvy seniors. You can use the app to compare medication prices and show the pharmacist your digital discount card, saving you up to 80 percent on your medications.

Choice Drug Card

With savings of up to 85 percent on prescriptions, Choice Drug Card is a great “choice,” if you ask us! Though the company doesn’t have a mobile app like some other discount cards on our list, the savings on prescriptions are just as good. Choice Drug Card is accepted at the majority of pharmacies. By logging on to their website, you can print out a card or have one emailed or texted to you.

SingleCare

SingleCare, a prescription discount program partnered with 35,000 pharmacies nationwide, can help you save up to 80 percent on your medications. The company’s Drug Basket feature is ideal for older adults who take multiple medications. The feature allows users to find which single pharmacy offers the best price on all of their prescriptions at once. That means you don’t have to drive around to five different pharmacies to get the best price on each prescription!

ValpakRx

Launched in 2020 by Valpak, an industry leader in local print and digital marketing, the ValpakRx medication discount card saves users an average of $61 on each prescription. The card is valid at over 35,000 pharmacies across the country. ValpakRx also has a simple mobile app for seniors who prefer to use their smartphones to compare medication prices.

Expert Insights

From Dr. Reshma Kapadia Patel, PharmD, deprescribing pharmacist and medication safety expert

I always encourage patients to feel comfortable speaking up at the pharmacy or during appointments. Whether it's asking about pricing options, simpler alternatives, or ways to organize their medications, those conversations can make the process feel much more manageable and less overwhelming.