'SingleCare', 'GoodRX' and other RX discounts

After being very suspicious of the commercials, I did sign up for GoodRx and my prescription costs were significantly cheaper, like 1/3 the price (but these meds were not fancy ones). So you sign up on the website—I did it so long ago I forget what they asked—and then search for your drug and then it shows a list of nearby pharmacies and what they will charge. Not every place takes GoodRx. The prices are still varied. Have your prescription sent to the one with the biggest discount and make a note (or print out) the “code”. But many times I’ve forgotten to do that and the pharmacy looks it up and gets the discount for me. This is because my insurance doesn’t cover the medication or it is cheaper to pay cash. Like, they would charge my insurance $100 but if I pay cash, it’s $30 and with GoodRx it’s $12.

I also use CostPlus, the Mark Cuban one. With them, I enrolled and then when I need a refill, I order a three month supply and pay online and they ship it to me, takes a couple days. There’s a shipping fee but it is quite reasonable. They don’t cover every medication but they have a lot. You can check first.

I work in this industry and have … thoughts.

You will have responses that say insurance companies, PBMs, and pharmacies are evil personified, and of course, while there are truths to every stereotype, there are always more nuances.

Without boring you to death with why it can be cheaper to use Good Rx rather than your own insurance (and it absolutely can be),, you should know that GoodRx is completely separate from your insurance - meaning, that usually if you choose to use GoodRx rather than your insurance, it may save you $100, but that $100 dollars does not count you your deductible or out of pocket, so … long term it may not be the best choice if you have considerable pharmacy expenses.

It is really best for people with no insurance.

I know CVS Caremark (which is totally separate from the pharmacy chain and is more of an insurance thing), has a program where it may apply GoodRx prices to your dedeuctible/out of pocket, but it is a very plan by plan thing. You can’t assume it will always apply. I think OptumRx has a similar program.

So if it will save you a lot of money, go for it. Just know that those savings may not apply to you out of pocket. If you save $1000 great, but if that $1000 would have met your out of pocket, you would have then paid $0 at that point, so …

I've also had luck going directly to the pharma company's website. Some times they offer discounts (coupons) directly on their own website. Worth looking into it, OP.

I have used GoodRX in the past (I believe). There was definitely a savings.

My mom uses it to by insulin for her diabetic cat

I don't have prescription insurance, I use Good Rx.

I went into CVS to get milk of the poppy for a certain unsavory side effect of chemo, and they wanted $600 for a medication that has been around since medieval times at least.

There wasnt even a generic version (maybe they needed more time for approval since the 1500s)

I apparently looked shocked at hearing the price and the pharmacist said "have you heard of Good RX?" just like an ad.( I thought of looking around for Allen Funt- yed I'm old). I got the prescription for $200 with Good Rx.

I've been using it ever since. No regrets. I take Prozac. BP meds, statins and Ativan. So far this year I've saved $1800. (they send emails every month to let you know your totals)

You don't need to download the app to check prices, just punch your medication and Good Rx into Google and you'll get a list with choice of stores and milligrams and number of pills you need, and the prices show up.

No I don't work for them but I do appreciate the savings.

Thanks r2, that was very helpful. I've used it before on the advice of the pharmacist and thanks to you I understand it better now.

I'm so glad I asked the question! Thank you all for your information and shared experiences. I shall start looking into it this weekend. I appreciate the help !

Seems the discount apps work! A side note .... any of you have any military service? I have several buddies who served, forgot about it. Never thought about seeking our a V.A. hospital .... BUT .... if you served, go to a Veteran's Hospital, register, get a physical and a primary care doctor. Your medicine can become $8! Happened to me.

How do these discount Rx services make money?

It really helped in the two months I was between insurance. I was prescribed a medication that was about $160. GoodRx had some good discounts, but I found it at a supermarket pharmacy for about $25.

R9 They sell your information to advertisers. Not sure what they are doing now, after incurring penalties by FTC in 2023 for sharing sensitive info without notifying consumers.

I use GoodRx for prescriptions* for my pets with chronic health problems. They are welcome to my info for saving me hundreds of dollars.

* at pharmacies for meds that are also used for human patients