Look into generic or biosimilar versions of your prescriptions. 

Generic or biosimilar versions of prescription medicines allow consumers to receive the same quality of medicine at a fraction of the price. Consider asking your health care provider if generic or biosimilar versions of your prescription are available and right for you.

Ask your health care provider for samples of a new prescription.

Receiving a sample before purchasing a full supply can help determine if you have any allergies or negative side effects without having to spend money on it.

Talk to local pharmacists.

Your local pharmacist may be able to recommend ways to save on your prescription.

Look into paying out-of-pocket instead of with insurance. 

In some cases, it may actually be cheaper to pay for your prescriptions out-of-pocket, rather than using your insurance. Ask your pharmacist. 

Shop around. 

Like with anything else, prices can vary. You may find that different pharmacies in your area sell the same prescription drug at different prices. GoodRx.com and the GoodRx app compare prices for every FDA-approved prescription drug at more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies. Also, check out pharmacies at locations you may not have previously considered, such as those located inside of warehouse stores and supermarkets, as well as independent pharmacies. For example, a recent Consumer Reports survey found that Costco usually charged the lowest cash prices for prescription drugs, while some independent pharmacies had prices that were even lower than Costco’s. Some supermarket pharmacies also offered good deals.

Ask your health care provider if they can prescribe your medication for an extended period (such as a 90-day supply vs. a 30-day supply).

Many insurance plans require you to pay only one copay instead of three for a 90-day supply of medications you take regularly.

Look for discounts, coupons, and prescription assistance programs.

Co-pay cards

Drug manufacturers sometimes offer “co-pay cards” to help consumers with private insurance pay their drug co-payments. Each program is different, but you can learn more here.

Remember: There may be reasons not to use a co-pay card, so always ask your health insurance plan how using co-pay cards may impact your deductible and out of pocket costs.

Co-pay relief

The Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-pay Relief Program provides assistance with co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles to patients who meet certain financial criteria.

In order to be eligible for co-pay assistance, patients must:

• Be enrolled in a health insurance plan
• Have a confirmed diagnosis of the condition that needs a prescription to treat
• Live and receive treatments in the United States
• Meet certain income guidelines

Coupons and discounts

GoodRx

GoodRx is a free service that compares prices for every FDA-approved prescription drug at more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies. It also offers coupons to use at local pharmacies.

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds offers a Drug Discount Card that can save consumers up to 80 percent on prescription drug costs and also connects patients to Patient Assistance Programs that offer medication for free or at discounted rates.

RefillWise

RefillWise offers a free prescription drug discount card that can help consumers save up to 80 percent off the list price of their prescription drugs. It also rewards points redeemable as cash rewards.

Prescription assistance

Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) help patients who don’t have health insurance or prescription drug coverage—and qualify for financial assistance—get the medications they need for little to no cost. PAPs are run by pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit groups, and state governments. Every program is different.

RxAssist maintains an online database of PAPs and current application forms.

NeedyMeds provides patients with information on available PAPs and connects patients with local programs that can help them complete application forms.

Pharmaceutical manufacturer prescription drug assistance

Patient Assistance Programs that are run by pharmaceutical companies require consumers to submit an application to the company that manufactures the prescription drug they need. The drug company reviews the application to determine eligibility, and—if they are approved—the drug company ships a supply to a consumer’s home or their health care provider’s office.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America’s (PhRMA) Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) provides consumers with resources to help them afford their prescription drugs, including Patient Assistance Programs, co-pay assistance programs, discount cards, and other helpful resources. MAT is a search tool that is designed to help patients learn about patient assistance resources that are available to them according to their age, income, geographic location, insurance status, and other factors.

Nonprofit prescription drug assistance programs

The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) helps patients with chronic or life-threatening diseases get the treatment recommended by their health care provider. It provides case management services, a co-pay relief program, a national financial resource directory, and financial aid. PAF can be reached by phone at (800) 532-5274.   

The National Council on Aging supports 87 Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) around the country to help low-income consumers, people on Medicare, and people with disabilities access programs that pay for health care, food, and more. Its BenefitsCheckup is a free service that helps connect patients with state, federal, and private benefits programs in their local area. These benefit programs aid with prescriptions, health care, food, utilities, transportation, and more. 

State pharmaceutical assistance programs 

Many states and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer help in paying drug plan premiums and other drug costs. You can check programs available in your state here.

The most common drugs for which consumers seek online pharmacies are those used for:

• weight loss,
• erectile dysfunction,
• antibiotics,
• cancer,
• cardiovascular disease medications,
• chronic illnesses (such as HIV, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s),
• pain relief, and
• psychiatric needs.

Illegal pharmacies target people seeking these medications. Use these tips to protect yourself from counterfeit medications.