The best pharmacy deals you probably overlooked
This article and related materials are made possible by a grant from the state Attorney General Consumer and Prescriber Education Grant Program, which is funded by the multistate settlement of consumer-fraud claims regarding the marketing of the prescription drug Neurontin (gabapentin).
Every major chain pharmacy and big-box store offers discount generic drug programs, but many people don't take advantage of them. When filling a prescription, always ask whether your drug is on the pharmacy's discount list.
Good to know: Our secret shoppers learned that you shouldn't count on pharmacy employees to tell you when you’re better off paying with cash instead of insurance—so be sure to ask if you're getting the store's lowest possible price.
CVS/Pharmacy Health Savings Pass
Get select generic drugs for $12 for a 90-day supply. The fee is $15 per person, per year, to join. But members get 10 percent off their annual flu shot and in-store health services and screenings.
Kmart Prescription Club
This program offers different discounts depending on the drug. Some prescriptions are just $5 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day prescription. Others range from $12 to $36 depending on the drug. Kmart also offers up to 20 percent off select brand-name drugs; a 20 percent discount on flu shots; and 10 percent off all other immunizations.
Kroger $4/$10 Generics
It's simple to remember: No fees, no restrictions, and hundreds of drugs offered at $4 for a month's supply and $10 for a 90-day fill.
Rite Aid Rx Savings Program
Hundreds of generic drugs are discounted to $10 for a month's supply or $16 for a 90-day prescription. It's free to enroll. You'll also receive at least a 15 percent savings on select brand-name drugs and pay $20 for certain generic oral contraceptives. Plus get a 50-count supply of Rite Aid Truetest diabetes test strips for $30.
Sam's Club Plus
A Sam's Club Plus membership will cost you $100 a year, but it pays off in pharmacy discounts: five select prescriptions free of charge (not offered in all states); up to 30 percent off select brand-name drugs; and 40 percent off many generics that are not part of the $4 generics program; free health-screening offers and more.
Target $4 Generics
No strings attached. Hundreds of generics discounted to $4 or $9 for a month's supply. Ninety-day prescriptions for $10 or $24.
Walgreens Prescriptions Savings Club
For an annual fee of $20 per person, or $35 per family, you get access to three levels of discounts—$5/$10, $10/$20, and $15/$30— for 30 day/90 day fills. You'll also save 10 percent off in-store health care services; 5 to 20 percent off most immunizations, plus discounts on nebulizers and diabetes supplies.
Walmart $4 Prescription Program
No annual fees. Pharmacy offers two types of discounted drugs: $4/$10 or $9/$24, plus free shipping on many 90-day prescriptions.
Find out more about great drugstore deals and other tips.
Smart Rx tips
Prices can vary from state to state. Also, certain programs are offered only to people without insurance or for drugs not covered. They may not cover drugs funded by Medicare, Medicaid, and other government programs. To get the best deals and to protect yourself, follow these tips:
Check out loyalty programs. Most stores have free membership programs that offer extra savings and coupons.
Protect your privacy. Program terms may require you to check a box giving the pharmacy or third parties such as drugmakers and insurance companies permission to contact you with offers and promotions. Ask whether you can join the program or get the discount if you don’t check that box.
Use one pharmacy. It’s smart to fill all of your prescriptions at one store, so the pharmacist can flag any potential drug interactions or allergies. So if a program offers a deal on a drug you take regularly, make that your go-to spot.
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