COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA What are Prescription Discount Cards? Key Things to Know Prescription discount cards are designed to provide lower drug costs to patients paying for their medications in cash. Savings card companies negotiate discounts on bulk drug purchases with pharmacy owners. Consumers can then access lower medication prices at pharmacies by using these free cards or mobile apps provided by the savings program. There is no cost to use these cards, and they are available whether you have health insurance or not. If you have health insurance, be sure to compare your co-pay cost to the discounted rate offered by the discount card to make sure you are receiving the best price available. Discount cards are especially useful in cases where you have a high deductible plan or a medication you need is not covered in your plan's formulary. IMPORTANT: If you buy medications using a prescription drug card, your spending won't count toward your insurance plans drug deductible. Check discount prices before you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription. Costs of prescription medications fluctuate, so you could be given varying discounts on different days. You can research prices ahead of time by calling your insurer and comparing their quote to what you see on the drug discount website or app. You can also present both your insurance card and your drug discount card to the pharmacist to see which one offers the better price. Tips When Selecting A Drug Discount Card: 1. Never pay for a card, nor provide insurance info, your Social Security number or Medicare/ Medicare number. Council On Aging - Southern California | 714-479-0107 | www.coasc.org Answers Guide 23/24 13 2. Never register for a card. The only reason to give your name and address is if the card is being mailed to you. 3. Read the privacy policy -Make sure the policy is one you agree with. 4. Helpline - Do they have people answering or just a recording? If there is a recording, do they call you back? 5. Shop cards - Try different cards to see which offers you the best discount, or ask your pharmacist. You can find discount card programs via an internet search. Below you will find a selection of companies. Good RX - www.goodrx.com SingleCare - www.singlecare.com ScriptSave - WellRx www.wellrx.com NeedyMeds - www.needymeds.org RxSaver - www.rxsaver.com Blink Health - www.blinkhealth.com Before you use one of these cards, it's important to understand how they work and why they are free so you can make an informed decision about your health and privacy. HEALTHCARE & WELL-BEINGhttp://www.goodrx.com http://www.singlecare.com http://www.wellrx.com http://www.needymeds.org http://www.rxsaver.com http://www.blinkhealth.com http://www.coasc.org