Prescription discount cards are designed to help lower the cost of thousands of popular medications that older adults need. Although savings will vary depending on the card and the pharmacy, most users report saving between 20 and 90 percent on prescriptions by simply using a discount card. Below, we’ll take a look at our top discount cards for seniors, the perks, important things to know, and more.
Here Are the Best Prescription Discount Cards in 2023:
How We Chose the Top Eight Prescription Discount Cards
We identified the top prescription discount cards on the market and narrowed it down to eight of our favorites based on a number of criteria. We looked at factors such as affordability, service, and ease of use to rank the best prescription discount cards on the market. Read on to learn about the discount cards we consider the best of the best.
America’s Pharmacy is an excellent choice for seniors seeking savings and versatility on their prescriptions. Their app is user-friendly and intuitive. You can even “Favorite” prescriptions and pharmacies in the app, which helps you save time and money when your prescriptions are due for a refill.
For more information on America’s Pharmacy discount card, read our hands-on America’s Pharmacy review.
WellRx is great for seniors who prioritize convenience. With WellRX, all you need to do is present your card or pull up a discount code on your smartphone via the WellRx app, and the discount will be immediately applied toward your purchase. Everyone in your family can use the same card, and nearly all medications will qualify for some discount.
Want to give it a try? Our in-depth WellRx review covers everything you need to know.
Even older adults with insurance are likely to find times when the GoodRx Gold prescription card will come in handy. For example, if a new drug is prescribed with a high copay or your deductible is not met for the year, GoodRx offers an option that might actually cost much less than the price with insurance. Side-by-side cost comparisons and low rates make GoodRx Gold a great service, whether or not you also have insurance.
One thing to keep in mind: GoodRx Gold requires a monthly membership, which costs $9.99 per month for individuals or $19.99 per month for families. For comparison, many of the other prescription discount cards on our list are free. However, GoodRx Gold is widely accepted and offers excellent discounts and perks, so it may be worth the cost. GoodRx also has a free discount card that offers smaller savings.
To learn more, head over to our latest GoodRx Gold review.
Older adults who are uninsured, need medications that aren’t covered by insurance, or have expensive medications can save with Choice Drug Card. The free card saves users up to 85 percent on medications and is widely accepted. Though there is no mobile app, the company provides a variety of options for seniors to access their discount card. Head over latest Choice Drug Card review for more information.
Seniors looking to save money without hassles can rely on SingleCare for great discounts through partnering pharmacies. Use a computer or a phone app to quickly compare prices on prescription drugs, telehealth appointments, dental and even vision care with SingleCare. There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so everyone has access to the same exceptionally low rates on the drugs they need.
For more information, check out our 2023 SingleCare review.
Whether you’re insured or not, ValpakRx can still save you money when you buy medications. A ValpakRx card is great for seniors who purchase medications on a frequent or infrequent basis, and want an uncomplicated way to save up to 80 percent on their prescriptions.
Optum Perks is partnered with over 64,000 pharmacies nationwide, making it one of the most widely available providers on our list. With their discount card, you can save up to 80 percent on your medications. There are no limitations on how often you can use the card or how much you save throughout the year. Older adults can print coupons on the go, show their card at the pharmacy, or allow a checkout attendant to scan the barcode on their smartphone’s Optum Perks app.
The FamilyWize discount card is accepted at almost every pharmacy nationwide. You won’t need to fill out any forms, add credit card information, or pay anything out of pocket to become a member of this money-saving program. We recommend this prescription discount card for older adults who just want to save and aren’t looking for any extra bells and whistles like cost comparison at different pharmacies or a robust mobile app.
Prescription discount cards are widely distributed in medical settings, by grocers, and at pharmacies, and your doctor might even recommend a particular card that will best serve your needs. These cards help consumers save thousands of dollars each year on the cost of prescription medications, which are often priced so high that they become out of reach, even with insurance coverage that might require meeting a high deductible.
Unlike most health insurance plans, a prescription discount card typically never caps out, regardless of the cost of any prescription. There are also no deductibles or copays with these cards, and most of them are totally free. This is possible because companies that are established as pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) negotiate prices for covered drugs with local and national pharmacies. In turn, partnered pharmacies agree to offer a set range of discounts to patients who present their membership card. Watch the video below with SeniorLiving.org Editor-in-Chief Jeff Hoyt to learn more about prescription discount cards and ways to save on your medications.
Prescription discount cards are primarily designed to be used like traditional coupons, except these coupons are applicable toward the price of prescription medications. Many providers offer discounts exceeding 90 percent off the price, and several common generic medications may even be completely free with a discount card at certain pharmacies. While they’re not a replacement for insurance, they can offer those who are uninsured or underinsured a viable way to get the medicine they need at an affordable cost.
There are some prescription cards that offer extra perks. Certain card companies have made agreements with local optometrists and dentists that allow them to offer discounts on preventive annual examinations and other services. If you have pets, you can even ask your veterinarian to transfer any medications that your pet may need into “human” dosages; many pharmacies can fill these orders as usual at the discounted price.
A prescription discount card typically won’t cost you anything. The majority of top programs such as DrugRx and WellRx are free to use. In fact, the bulk of these companies do not require any type of patient registration, so you don’t need to give anyone personal or private information. GoodRx Gold is one exception to this, as they have a $9.99 monthly subscription fee. The company offers extra perks that we think are worth the cost, but there are plenty of free alternatives if you don’t want to pay.
Discount card providers also do not ask any health questions, require copays, or ask for credit card details. You simply download the app, print a coupon, or display your discount card, and the discounts are yours for the taking — no questions asked. The best part about these programs is that they typically offer a handy search function that not only tells you who accepts their discount cards, but they will offer detailed pricing down to the penny and even compare prices between nearby retailers.
Even older adults with a good health insurance plan may find a discount card to be useful for certain prescriptions. Many discount medication cards even provide discounts that are less expensive than the copay alone, so with no out-of-pocket costs to you, there’s no reason not to try out one of these cards. Seniors don’t have to be concerned about bringing their card every time they need to pick up a prescription, as pharmacies you have previously used will keep the information on file, just like they do with insurance details.
Did You Know: One in five seniors on Medicare report skipping or rationing medications because of cost, and roughly one-third report difficulty paying for prescriptions.
The cost of prescription medications keeps increasing. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that millions of Americans go without medications they need because of cost. Many older adults are on multiple medications, which can be very difficult for those on a fixed income or tight budget. However, by comparing rates with each reputable discount card provider, seniors should be able to find options within their budget for the medicines they need.
Morgan has been writing about the senior living industry for the past five years. In addition to over 400 hours of research on topics like medical alert systems, health insurance, and technology for older adults, she also brings her previous experience working… Learn More About Morgan Redding
WellRx. (2022). Home page.
Medicare Plans. (2022). 1 IN 5 SENIORS ON MEDICARE REPORT SKIPPING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS DUE TO HIGH COST AND INFLATION.