Good RX: How Do I Use It to Compare Prescription Drug Prices?

It’s Easy.

All you need is a GoodRx card (it’s free). If you’re not online, that’s OK. You can pick one up at many doctors offices (or) call (855) 723-1225.

We decided to test it out, using a common prescription medication – Fosamax (Alendronate). For a location to check prices? We looked at a map of the US and chose Omaha, Nebraska – right in the center of the country.

We went online to: www.goodrx.com and entered the drug name (Fosamax).

• It describes the medication, shows a photo of it and explains what it’s used for.

• Then, it asks you to “match your prescription” and you can see both the brand and generic names along with the dosage information (as prescribed by your physician).

We entered our location and sorted by price. It quickly showed a significant difference in pricing along with coupons, savings plans and mail order information.

Then, we went back up to “match your prescription” and checked out the generic - Alendronate. We kept the same sorting (by low price).

The differences in pricing were significant (comparing 3 dose packs of 4 tablets per dose) for the Brand Name and for the Generic brand *

*Note these prices are being used as examples only. Always enter YOUR location and seek current information. Pricing can change.

If you’re not online, present your GoodRx card to the pharmacist when you drop off your prescription. They’ll help you.

This article continues with additional information and helps clarify: Medicare, Insurance and Deductible information.

Why do I need GoodRx?

Prescription drug prices are not regulated. The cost of a prescription may differ by more than $100 between pharmacies across the street from each other!

Insurance isn’t helping like it used to. In the past 10 years, insurance companies started passing 25-80% more of the cost of drugs onto patients.

How can GoodRx help me?

GoodRx gathers current prices and discounts to help you find the lowest cost pharmacy for your prescriptions.

GoodRx is 100% free. No registration required.

How do I find discounts for my drug?

It’s easy. Just go to the home page, type in your drug’s name in the search field, and click the “Find the Lowest Price” button. We’ll even help you spell the name of your prescription.

What are GoodRx coupons?

GoodRx coupons will help you pay less than the cash price for your prescription. They’re free to use and are accepted at virtually every U.S. pharmacy. Your pharmacist will know how to enter the codes on the coupon to pull up the lowest discount available.

How do I use a GoodRx coupon?

It’s similar to using a coupon at a grocery store. Simply print the coupon and bring it with you to the pharmacy when you pick up your prescription. The pharmacist will enter the numbers on the coupon into their system to find the discount.

Don’t have a printer or want to save paper and ink cartridges? You can show the coupon on your phone by:

• Sending the coupon to yourself via email or text

• Or using our mobile app

• Or visiting our mobile website Learn more about using a GoodRx coupon

What if I have insurance or Medicare?

Many insurance plans have high deductibles or limited formularies that don’t cover the drugs you need. GoodRx may be able to find you a lower price than your insurance co-pay. Hundreds of generic medications are available for $4 or even free without insurance.

Can I use GoodRx if I have insurance?

Yes! Anyone (in the US) can use GoodRx, regardless of whether they have insurance or not - and this is true if you have commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other type of insurance. To use GoodRx, just let your pharmacy know that you’ll use a GoodRx discount instead of your insurance when you pay for your prescription medication.

When using GoodRx instead of your insurance, the amount you pay will not automatically be applied toward your deductible.

Do purchases with GoodRx count towards my deductible?

When using GoodRx instead of your insurance, the amount you pay will not be automatically applied toward your deductible.

You may want to contact your insurance company to find out if you can submit receipts for prescriptions purchased using GoodRx. Many insurance plans will allow you to submit receipts for potential reimbursement and/or credit toward your deductible and other policy limits. Article Source: www.goodrx.com

You’re standing in your local pharmacy or in the medicine aisle of your neighborhood grocery store, and you’re hurting. Maybe you have a headache or twisted your ankle during your morning workout. Whatever the case may be, you need some relief.

You scan the rows of medications. There are boxes and bottles; tablets and capsules. Which one do you choose? Which one is safest? Aren’t they all the same?

With so many different options and types of medication, a seemingly simple choice can get complicated quickly. Let’s take a look at Advil and Tylenol and learn how they compare.