Save money on prescription drugs with GoodRx. Recently I met up with a nurse friend who told me about this app. Essentially after using the app an Rx that they were getting through their employer’s medical insurance and paying $20 per month out-of-pocket was $30 for a three month supply at another pharmacy found by searching in the GoodRx app. 50% off!
Shocking price differences on multiple drugs
The app is easy to use, offers money-saving tips, info about generic drugs, coupons and info about pharmacy rewards programs. I randomly searched several common drugs and the price differences we shocking.
30 tablets of 40 mg generic Lipitor ranged from $9.60 at Mariano’s to $27.62 at Walgreens.
30 tablets of 200 mg generic Celebrex ranged from $19.24 at Costco to $39.97 at Target. It suggested switching to a 90 day supply which dropped the price to $36.75 at Costco and $79.55 at Target.
30 tablets of 10mg generic Lexapro ranged from $7.35 at Costco to $23.80 at Target.
The price variances for non-generic were less dramatic but that’s probably because Big Pharma controls those prices.
Test it out online before downloading the app You have to set your location using your zip code.
You do have to keep in mind that, like many things, prices are going to change. So when you are looking to refill a ninety day prescription it may have been cheaper at Costco the last time and now it’s cheaper at Target or where ever.
Use GoodRx if you have health insurance and Medicare
You can still use GoodRx with health insurance and Mediacare. It explains how here.
Who is GoodRx? Here is a Bloomberg description of the company
GoodRx, Inc. owns and operates a prescription drug price comparison platform using data from local and mail-order pharmacies in the United States. The company offers generic and brand name pricing; alerts clients on manufacturer co-pay cards, pharmacy discounts, and state discount programs; and provides tips on how to slash drug prices. It provides prices of various drugs in the areas of alcohol dependence, allergies, cold, Alzheimer’s disease, angina, antibiotics, anticoagulant, antifungal and antiviral, antiplatelet, anxiety, arrhythmia, arrythmia, asthma, bipolar disorder, birth control, cancer drugs, cerebral hemorrhage, cholesterol, and COPD.
Frankly I’m surprised one of the big pharmacies haven’t bought them out and shut them down.
Change your buying habits and save some serious money
I know several people who fill all their prescriptions at one pharmacy because it’s easier. Given these shocking price differences you may want to look at exactly what you’re paying and make the effort to go to different pharmacies for the best deals. We’re talking about some serious money. You may want to change your drug buying habits by finding the lowest cost provider every time you refill a prescription. And remember you don’t need a Costco membership to get a prescription filled there. Happy savings!
