Do prescription discount cards really save money?

When a discount card is likely to help

• You don’t have drug coverage, or a drug isn’t on your plan’s list.
• You haven’t met a high deductible yet and would be paying full price anyway. Ask the pharmacist to run it both ways.
• A generic is available. Ask for the generic, then compare the card price with your copay.

When it may not help

• You have Medicare drug coverage and expect high costs. Purchases through your plan count toward the out-of-pocket limit, which is $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027 for covered Part D drugs (Medicare.gov). Card purchases don’t count toward it (Medicare.gov).
• You use insulin with Medicare. Covered insulin already costs no more than $35 for a one-month supply, with no deductible (Medicare.gov). See our insulin cost guide.
• Your copay is already low. Then the card may not beat it.

You generally use either your insurance or a discount card for a fill, not both. Ask the pharmacist which price is lower before you pay.

Other ways to cut the cost

• Extra Help lowers Medicare drug costs for people with limited income and resources. Apply through Social Security.
• Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: anyone with a Medicare drug plan can spread out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs across the calendar year (Medicare.gov). It doesn’t lower the total, but it can smooth big bills.
• Manufacturer and assistance programs: search the Medicine Assistance Tool for programs tied to your drug.
• Health centers: HRSA-funded health centers offer sliding fees based on income. Find one near you.
• Medicare.gov’s drug cost page also points people to TrumpRx.gov for cash prices and says to compare those prices with what you pay under your plan (Medicare.gov).

Privacy: what to ask before you sign up

A drug discount card or app may collect what medicines you look up and fill. In 2023 the Federal Trade Commission took action against GoodRx, saying it shared users’ health information with advertising platforms such as Facebook and Google. GoodRx agreed to a $1.5 million civil penalty. See the FTC announcement and consumer alert.

That doesn’t mean every card does this, including the one we partner with. Before you use any card or app, read its privacy policy and look for whether it shares or sells health data for advertising and how to opt out.