Best Prescription Discount Cards for 2020
Our experts researched and reviewed the 10 top prescription discount cards and narrowed the list to their top 5 recommendations.
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Best Prescription Discount Cards in 2020
Here are the Best Prescription Discount Cards for 2020
How We Chose The Top 5 Prescription Discount Cards
We identified the top 10 prescription discount cards and narrowed it down to 5 of our favorites based on a number of criteria. We looked at affordability, service, ease of use, and other factors to rank the best prescription discount cards on the market. Take a look at the discount cards we have deemed the best of the best.
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1. GoodRx
Pros
- No sign-up process required, so no personal information is on file except for with the pharmacy you utilize.
- GoodRx is the top rated medical app on Android and iOS systems.
- Users receive up to 90% off many prescriptions, with hundreds of generics for $4 or even free.
- Accepted at over 70,000 pharmacies across the nation.
- Discounts can be used for pet prescriptions.
Cons
- Savings are not confluent between pharmacies and can vary widely.
- GoodRx does not replace insurance.
- Discount cards are not accepted overseas.
The Bottom Line
Even seniors with insurance are likely to find times when GoodRx will come in handy. Perhaps a new drug is prescribed with a high copay or your deductible is not met for the year. DrugRx offers an option that might actually cost much less than the price with insurance. Seniors appreciate that GoodRx helps finish prescription names in the search bar, so spelling complex drug names isn’t a problem. Side by side comparisons and super low rates make GoodRx a great standby for the insured and is a great resource for those without coverage.
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2. WellRx
Pros
- The program can be used for medications for pets if you ask your veterinarian for a human equivalent.
- No need to fill out an application or claim form.
- WellRx has a convenient, side by side comparison tool to ensure patients get the best rate.
- All medications qualify for discounts under WellRx.
- There are no limitations on use or maximum spending caps.
Cons
- WellRx cards are currently only accepted in the United States.
The Bottom Line
WellRx is great for seniors who seek convenience concerning discounts for prescription drugs. All one needs to do is present their card or pull up their discount code on their smartphone via the WellRx app, and the discount is immediately applied towards the purchase. Everyone in the family can use the same card, and nearly all medications will qualify for some form of discount.
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3. SingleCare
Pros
- Savings as much as 93% on certain generic medication prescriptions under this plan.
- No credit card or enrollment forms necessary to join SingleCare’s medication discount program.
- Membership is 100% free for anyone, regardless of age or location.
- This is one of the few discount programs with a telemedicine discount program.
- Certain savings available for dental and vision needs.
Cons
- SingleCare has somewhat limited partnerships with pharmacies, with around 35,000 participating providers.
- No barriers such as those that often exist with insurance.
The Bottom Line
Seniors looking to save money without hassles can rely on SingleCare to offer great discounts through their partnering pharmacies. Use a computer or a phone app to quickly compare prices on prescription drugs, video doctor visits, dental and even vision care with SingleCare. There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so everyone has access to these exceptionally low rates on the drugs they need most.
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4. ScriptRelief
Pros
- No information is required to be provided by patients to use ScriptRelief.
- No claim forms need to be filled out, nor any fees are paid for the card.
- No maximum limitations on frequency of use or prescription discount caps.
- Pre-existing conditions still qualify for discount medications.
Cons
- ScriptRelief’s discounts are not always as high as other prescription discount cards.
- Discounts are available only in the United States at this time.
The Bottom Line
Seniors who don’t have insurance coverage or who need to take mediations that Medicare doesn’t cover, ScriptRelief might provide much needed relief to the pocketbook. There are no limitations on how often the card can be utilized, nor are there any limits on how much one can save annually with their discounts. Seniors can print coupons on the go, show their card at the pharmacy or allow the checkout attendant to scan the barcode on their smartphone’s ScriptRelief app.
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5. FamilyWize
Pros
- These discounts can be used on an unlimited basis on any and all prescriptions.
- FamilyWize offers superior discounts on generic drugs—some are even free.
- You are guaranteed the lowest price where ever the card is accepted.
- Their site features an easy search function for both drugs and nearby pharmacies with the best prices on the prescriptions you need.
Cons
- FamilyWise can only be currently used within the United States.
- There are fewer accepting pharmacies with FamilyWize partnerships than similar prescription discount medication cards.
The Bottom Line
The FamilyWize discount card is great option for seniors who lack traditional health insurance or those who have a policy that has limitations that aren’t ample enough to cover the costs of their primary prescription needs. The card is accepted at tens of thousands of pharmacies nationwide, and there is no need to fill out any forms, offer credit card information or pay anything out of pocket to become a member of this money saving program.
What is a Prescription Discount Card?
Prescription discount cards are widely distributed in medical settings, grocers and pharmacies, and your doctor might even recommend a particular card that will serve your needs the best. These cards can literally help consumers save thousands of dollars each year on the cost of prescription medications which are often priced so high they become out of reach, even with insurance coverage that might require a huge deductible to be met.
Unlike most medical and health insurance policies, a medication discount card typically never caps out, regardless of the cost of any prescription. Furthermore, there will generally never be a cost associated with using any type of prescription drug card, as they are free and there are no deductibles or copays. This is possible because companies who are established as a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) negotiates pricing 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.
What Do Prescription Discount Cards Cover?
Prescription discount cards are primarily designed to be used similarly to a traditional coupon, except these coupons are applicable towards the price of prescription medications. Many providers offer discounts exceeding 90 percent off the price, and several common generic medications may actually be completely free with a discount card at certain pharmacies. While it’s not a replacement for insurance, it can offer those who are uninsured or underinsured a viable way to get the medicine they desperately need.
There are a few prescription cards such as the two mentioned above that offer a few supplemental perks to using their discount cards. Certain card companies have made agreements with local optometrists and dentists that allow them to offer discounts on preventive annual examinations and other services. Furthermore, if you ask your veterinarian to transfer any medications that your pet may need into ‘human’ dosages, many pharmacies can fill these orders as usual with the discounted price.
How Much Does a Prescription Discount Card Cost?
As a general rule, a prescription discount card should cost you absolutely nothing. The majority of reputable programs such as DrugRx and WellRx will never ask you to pay for anything to use their cards and receive a discount. 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.
Discount card providers also do not ask any health questions, require co-pays or ask for credit card details. You simply download the app, print a coupon, or display your participation 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.
Why is a Prescription Discount Card a Good Investment for Seniors?
Even seniors who have a good health insurance plan may find a discount card to be useful for certain prescriptions. Many discount medication cards have been able to give patients discounts that are less expensive than the copay alone, so with no out of pocket costs to you, there’s no reason to not look into having one or more of these cards on hand. 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.
The cost of prescription medications only seem to get higher and higher as insurance and Medicare coverage rates are lowered. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that millions of Americans go without medications they need for better health. Seniors have special needs and concerns, and that often requires one or more daily drugs that can really hit the budget hard. However, by comparing rates with each reputable discount card provider, seniors should be able to find options nearby and within their budget for the medicines they need.
Since graduating from Harvard with an honors degree in Statistics, Jeff has been creating content in print, online, and on television. Much of his work has been dedicated to informing seniors on how to live better lives. As Editor-in-Chief of the personal… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt