What are some ways to save on prescription drug costs?

Question

Deborah Bates · Accepted Answer

If your plan doesn't cover your meds well, you can use a discount card like GoodRx or Singlecare. You could also search online for online pharmacies that can save you money like Cost Plus. You may also qualify for "extra help" from Medicare, or get help from the manufacturer or through a foundation.

Answered by Deborah Bates on March 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ, FL, MN, NM, TX & UT

Answered by Deborah Bates Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

First and foremost, ask your Healthcare provider if a generic option is available. If not, Medicare offers the Prescription Payment program, where the beneficiary can spread the costs of their brand name prescriptions over a 12 month payment plan.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on December 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA & TN

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

There are a few ways to save on RX costs.
1.  Most brand name medications will be more expensive that their generics. If you are on any brand-name medications, you could ask your provider if there’s an alternate generic that would be a suitable fit.

2.  If you do have to take brand new medication’s Most RX companies will have some type of manufacturers discount available. I would Ask your providers office for information on how to apply.

3. When using your Medicare advantage prescription drug plan the catastrophic coverage or cap is set at $2000 for the 2025 year. You could use alternate sources like good RX To potentially get a lower cost on some medications.  However, whatever medications you get through that alternate source do not go towards that $2000.

It can be a little tricky and may take some extra work on your end but staying vigilant and always comparing prices may come in handy

Melonie Wood · Answer

Most carriers have a $0 cost for a tier 1 & 2 drug, many carriers will mail a 90 day supply at 0 costs for tier 1 & 2. I also advise members to get a GoodRx Card as well, and if someone is on an expensive drug, tier 3 or 4, most pharmaceutical companies have a patient assist program to help with expensive medications

Answered by Melonie Wood on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & AL

Answered by Melonie Wood Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Moreno · Answer

One way to try to save on prescription drugs is to ask your doctor to prescribe generic drugs most Medicare advantage plans have zero co-pays for the first two tears in their formulary. Another way is ask your agent to see if you can qualify for low income subsidy, which is Drug assistance through Social Security.

Answered by Richard Moreno on October 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, CA, FL, LA, NM & OH

Answered by Richard Moreno Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Firmin · Answer

First and foremost- review your coverage annually! The plans may change what prescriptions are covered, and the plans may change your cost sharing structure. Also, your prescriptions may change. 

What was a good prescription drug plan in one year, may not be the most comprehensive in the next. 

Also, since you take different prescriptions than your friend or spouse, the plan that your friend or spouse loves may not be the most affordable for you. 

For prescriptions that are expensive under Medicare Part D plans, or are not covered, there may be a foundation or grant that can provide financial assistance. And lastly, there are several online coupon sites that may provide more affordable coverage for certain prescriptions.

Michelle Sparks · Answer

One program that is new this year is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, a payment option that works with your current drug coverage to help you manage your out-of-pocket costs for drugs covered by your plan by spreading them across the calendar year (January–December). Anyone with a Medicare drug plan or Medicare health plan with drug coverage (like a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage) can use this payment option. All plans offer this payment option, and participation is voluntary.

The advantage of this program is that you will be able to spread the cost of your drugs out across the calendar year, vs. having to pay all at once up front. If you select this payment option, each month you’ll continue to pay your plan premium (if you have one), and you’ll get a bill from your health or drug plan to pay for your prescription drugs (instead of paying the pharmacy). There’s no cost to participate in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.

Another program offered by Medicare is the Extra Help program. This program is for low-income individuals. In 2025, the income limits for Medicare's Extra Help program are below:

Individuals: Monthly income of less than $1,903
Couples: Monthly income of less than $2,575

To apply, go to: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help .

These are just a few options that may be helpful. If you have additional questions, please consider reaching out to a local expert in your area. They will be able to help with your specific situation, as well as offer other suggestions available in your state and zip code.

Dutch VanHoesen · Answer

1. Extra help: if you are low income, you may qualify for the Medicare extra help program. Contact Social Security.
2. Medicare prescription payment program: this is a new Medicare option to spread your drug payments over the course of a year.
3. Generic medication alternatives to your brand name drugs.
4. Patient Assistance programs: most drug manufacturers offer some sort of assistance to help pay for your drugs.
5. Mail Order: this may save you money and may not it all depends on your medications and your prescription drug plan carrier.

Edward Wooten · Answer

There are many options to help get the costs of your prescriptions lowered. Ask your physician if there is a generic or alternative option for you. There are many online sites offering help with certain prescriptions. You may also contact the drug manufacturer, your insurance company, and or speak to your pharmacist to see if there is another option or payment plan.

Answered by Edward Wooten on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL & MO

Answered by Edward Wooten Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael White · Answer

Obviously the best is to review and make sure that you are on the right plan for your prescriptions first. Then, you can utilize prescription savings/discount cards such as Good Rx, Glic Rx, or SingleCare to potentially help reduce your cost as well however, if you utilize one of the discount cards then the amount paid would not count towards your TROOP (true out of pocket) maximum.

Answered by Michael White on September 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, CO & 16 other states

Answered by Michael White Medicare Insurance Agent

Jay Larshus · Answer

Going with Generic drugs over Brand Name drugs is the simplest way to save money. Many plans will give a discounted price for 90 day supplies and for mail order. For expensive drugs, discuss with your physician less expensive alternatives.

Answered by Jay Larshus on June 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN & VA

Answered by Jay Larshus Medicare Insurance Agent

Allen McGirl · Answer

Work with an agent to review your drugs on Medicare.gov. Also, you have the right to use Good RX or any other source. Some folks use Canadian Meds. There are many options, but the money you spend on these programs do not go toward your catastrophic amount. So sometimes, not advised.

Answered by Allen McGirl on May 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in CO, AL, AZ & 34 other states

Answered by Allen McGirl Medicare Insurance Agent

Jaime Valadez · Answer

By reviewing you currently plan, making sure you are on the correct plan for your specific situation. Making sure we are using the correct pharmacy with in the plans network.

Corey Schuler · Answer

To help save on prescription drug costs, you want to first make sure that you are on the best part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan for the drugs you currently take. Next, you can explore using mail-order pharmacies to help lessen your costs. Additionally, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any manufacturer discount programs currently available. If you have limited income and resources, the Extra Help program can help reduce the cost of your drugs by reducing your copays, coinsurance, deductibles, premiums, and other costs. Lastly, ask your doctor if a generic version of the medication would be a suitable alternative to the costly name brand drug.

Answered by Corey Schuler on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 10 other states

Answered by Corey Schuler Medicare Insurance Agent

Bob Thompson · Answer

1. Ask for a generic version
2. Compare pharmacy prices
3. Use discount coupons
4. Use mail‑order or bulk‑fill options
5. Check for manufacturer assistance or patient programs
6. Ask your doctor about alternative options or combos
7. Choose a preferred or in‑network pharmacy
8. Review your health insurance plan (or Medicare/Medicaid if applicable) annually
Especially for people on Medicare Part D, switching to a plan that covers your drugs better (or has lower cost‑sharing) can save you money. 
Even with employer‑sponsored insurance, check the pharmacy benefit each year.

Frank Buonomo · Answer

You can save money on prescriptions by using the mail order option instead of the local pharmacy option. Most drug plans have preferred local pharmacies and that can provide savings. Also, generic mediations if they are approved by your physicians can reduce prescription costs.

Answered by Kristine Gurley on April 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in MS, AL & LA

Answered by Kristine Gurley Medicare Insurance Agent

Tina VanPhung · Answer

1.  Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy).  If you qualify, it can significantly lower premiums, deductibles, and copays.  

2.  Ask for Generics (or Therapeutic Alternatives).  They usually cost much less than brand-name drugs.

3.  Compare Part D plans yearly:  Costs and formularies change annually.

4.  Manufacturer Assistance Programs.  Ask about patient and manufacturer assistance programs:  Some drug manufacturers offer discounts or free meds.  

5.  Use Preferred or Mail-Order Pharmacies.  Get medications with preferred pharmacies or mail order:  Costs may be lower.

6.  Enroll in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan to spread out the costs evenly every month.  

7.  Use Discount Programs (Even With Insurance Sometimes).  Discount cards can beat your insurance copay in some cases.

8.  Talk to a medicare broker to see if you could change to a plan that would cover medication at a lower cost.  

9.  State & Nonprofit Assistance Programs

Kristine Gurley · Answer

You can save money on prescriptions by using the mail order option instead of the local pharmacy option. Most drug plans have preferred local pharmacies and that can provide savings. Also, generic mediations if they are approved by your physicians can reduce prescription costs.

Answered by Kristine Gurley on April 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in MS, AL & LA

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Be sure to be aware that you have a lot of choicess before choosing a drug plan. Since last year, you can join Advantage plans that contains drug coverage or not. You can pick up a “Stand-alone” Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) and you can use an online US/Canadian discount website like GoodRx, costplusdrugs or simplecar. Bear in mind though that should any Canadian website be significantly reduced, that buy will NOT be applied to the maximum of $2,000.00 per year for ALL of your Rx's as only US purchases will apply. Remember that if you prefer to pay for a Med. Supp., it does NOT pay for drugs at all! This is why folks who purchase a Med. Suppmt. must pay a small monthly premium for their Part D plan.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

There are several ways to save on prescription drugs.
One is to sign up for a plan with a prescription drug plan embedded in the health care plan. The copays are usually much lower than the full price.
A second method is to check several of the discount drug plans available from the place where you get your prescriptions filled.
A third way is to check several of the private discount plans. GoodRx, Costplus, and Singlecare are a few.

Finally, check with your doctor or pharmacist about using generic rather than brand-name prescription drugs.

Terry Salak · Answer

There are several options to keep the cost of your prescription medications lower.  1.)  Always make sure the medications you take are on your plans formulary.  If they are not, work with your provider to find a similar medication that will be on formulary.  

If you are unwilling to change medications, you can also look at GoodRx for coupon codes that will offer a discount.

Lastly, and this does not always work for people on Medicare, you can see if the drug manufacturer offers any type of patient assistance/financial assistance.  This route will sometimes work for drugs that are a Tier 4 or Tier 5 as they cost the most.

Diana Salisbury · Answer

Take generic rather than brand name prescriptions if you are able.  Request three months at a time rather than a 30-day supply.

Brianna Douros · Answer

Hey y'all, it's Brianna, your favorite life and health insurance agent and owner of Be Real Insured, bringing you real solutions. Today we're gonna touch on the Medicare prescription drug payment program. This is great, guys. It's new for 2025, and this is really good for those of us that are on a fixed income. Now, you are still gonna be paying the same amount for the cost of your prescriptions, but it's gonna help break down those costs into monthly installments for you so that you aren't having to pay a lump sum when you go to the pharmacy to pick those prescriptions up. Now, the best part about this is anyone can qualify for this program. It is not based on income, and anyone who has a Medicare prescription drug plan or an MAPD plan is eligible for this program. All right, now if you haven't already, I would highly suggest seeing if you're eligible for the Medicare prescription savings program. Now this one is income-based, but if you qualify, it could help save on the cost of your prescriptions. All right, if you guys have any questions on how to opt in to the payment plan or to see if you qualify for the savings program, don't hesitate to reach out to me. All right, y'all, until next time, keep it real.

Alan &quot;AL&quot; Minthorn · Answer

First, make sure you have the plan providing lowest cost coverage for your formulary needs. Next make sure you use preferred plan pharmacies. Create a price sheet comparing plan co-pays/coinsurance vs Single Care, GoodRx, CostPlusDrugs, or other discount programs. I have one blood pressure med I pay approx. 23% for 90 days versus plan pricing.

Note: If you use a non-plan option, have your prescriber note that on your chart for audit purposes. 

Some tablets can be split in half, others not - you may be able to pay a similar price for double strength tablet and half it. Just make sure your doctor knows and approves for your needs.

Paul Wyatt · Answer

You should be shopping your drug plan every year during Annual enrollment by comparing all plans available in your area. Also, many plans have better copays associated with different pharmacies. Many times it helps to compare different pharmacies available to you as well as shopping your plan.

Answered by Paul Wyatt on August 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, KY & MS

Answered by Paul Wyatt Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Kiepe · Answer

You need to make sure you are using prescriptions on the carrier's preferred list of medications. You can save money by using a preferred generic drug or a preferred name brand. Every healthcare carrier will list different medicines as Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. You need to have your local broker review your medications to make sure you are on the best drug plan.

Answered by Tony Kiepe on November 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, ID & MT

Answered by Tony Kiepe Medicare Insurance Agent

Nick Morris · Answer

Checking your drugs versus available plans is the first thing. Sometimes, different plans will put different medications in higher tiers on their formulary versus another plan. There are some independent tools out there like GoodRX or Optum Perks that allow you to price medicine without running these through any insurance plan at major retailers. If you price your medications and notice 1 or 2 that are causing your price to increase, it might make sense to compare the cost of those medications versus your ability to use one of these tools independently of your insurance.

Answered by Nick Morris on September 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO, AR, AZ & 6 other states

Answered by Nick Morris Medicare Insurance Agent

Lou Ann Pyatt · Answer

Choose or talk to your doctor about generic brand prescriptions; use mail order for 90 day prescription coverage.

Randy Bremer · Answer

If you get home delivery from your plan and get three months at a time this usually results in substantial savings. It also pays to compare different plans each year because the formularies can vary from one company to another on the same prescription.

Answered by Randy Bremer on November 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in NE & IA

Answered by Randy Bremer Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Hiatt · Answer

Your Pharmacist and Physician can provide valuable insights on cost-saving tips related to your specific medications. Ask about potential generic alternatives, switching to 90-day supplies, or utilizing pharmaceutical company discount programs. Hospital-based social workers can help you find both local and federal assistance programs that can help with medication costs, along with manufacturer savings programs for chronic conditions such as cancer.

Answered by Mary Hiatt on February 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in NE, AZ, IA, MO & TX

Answered by Mary Hiatt Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

To save on prescription drug costs, explore generic alternatives, compare prices at different pharmacies, and utilize discount programs like GoodRx. You can also consider mail-order pharmacies, seek patient assistance programs, and inquire about 90-day supplies or pill splitting when appropriate.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on August 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

If you are taking generic Rx's, typically they have a $0 to $5 co-pay, so you can't save more. But sometimes your plan places a generic Rx in a higher tier, i.e. 3, in which case either your pharmacy will give you their cash discount, or you can use a GoodRx coupon. Nowadays, pharmacies are required by law to automatically offer you the lowest price - either your Rx plan, their cash discount, or GoodRx.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on June 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Carol Thompson · Answer

Ask your Dr for generics, reach out to the manufacturer or makers of the drug and consider using clever Rx, Good Rx- prescription drug savings programs.

Pat Papson · Answer

Hello..

Depending on which tier, that determines the price.

There are some coupon companies who help, example Good RX, whis is free.

Also depending on your financial situation occasionally the Drug Manufacturers help.

Hope this helps..
Thank You

Eizel Mere · Answer

Utilize a prescription drug plan. Provide your agent with all the information needed to find the best plan for you so you do not have surprise copays.

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

There are a few good ways to save on prescription drug costs. First, make sure your medications are on your plan’s formulary and see if there’s a generic option — that’s usually the biggest saver.

Using preferred pharmacies or mail-order can lower copays, and some manufacturers offer discount or assistance programs for certain meds.

It’s also smart to review your drug plan each year, since formularies and prices change — sometimes switching plans during open enrollment can save quite a bit.

Michael Kim · Answer

You can ask your Primary Care Physician for generic medications, if your medications even has generic. For those who can't take generics maybe because it doesn't work for them you can also try calling the manufactures to make a deal with them to get your medications at a lower price directly from the manufacturers.

Most of the time it's as simple as just going to the "primary" pharmacy instead of the standard. Find out with your carrier who the primary pharmacy is as each carrier has a different primary pharmacy you should use to get the lowest prices.

Adam Morillo · Answer

Great question, their are a few options. Ask your doctor about generics, compare prices at different pharmacies, use Medicare’s Extra Help or state assistance programs, and check for drug manufacturer discount cards or coupons.

Answered by Adam Morillo on August 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Adam Morillo Medicare Insurance Agent

Lyle Affleck · Answer

There are several ways to save on your prescription drug costs. First, make sure you revisit your drug plan every year. Formularies change. Deductibles and co-payments change. It is good to stay on top of all of these things.
Second, ask your doctor if there is a generic for the medication you are taking. Generics are generally less expensive and will save you a lot of money.
Third, make sure you communicate with your doctor. Sometimes a person might keep taking a drug they no longer need. Go over your medications with your doctor and make sure you are all on the same page.
Finally, make sure your preferred pharmacy is accepted by your prescription drug plan. Some pharmacies are considered "preferred" while others show as just "in network." If you stick to preferred pharmacies or get your drugs through mail order, you will often get better pricing. Overall, these are great suggestions to help you save more money. Being proactive about your medications can help you save money.

Frankie Cochran · Answer

A good health assessment will vector in on health and medications. this information can help when looking at different prescription drug plans or medicare part c plans with prescription drug coverage. another way to save is to talk with a broker that handles both products and can help guide along the path to the right decision

Answered by Frankie Cochran on April 1, 2026

Agent Licensed in GA

Answered by Frankie Cochran Medicare Insurance Agent

Casey Graves · Answer

1. See if you qualify for low income subsidy (LIS) also known as Extra Help. 
2. See if the manufacturer of your prescription offers a patient assistance program. If approved, they could very well mail your prescription to you for free. 
3. Ask your provider for samples. 
4. Speak to an agent local to you. Local agents are often familiar with how the plans in your area differ in deductibles and copays on your drugs. Some plans in my area have a $615 deductible on brand name drugs while other plan only have a $200 deductible. 
5. Try a coupon such as GoodRx or SingleCare to see if they give you a better rate than your insurance!

Glenn Soucek · Answer

Have you talked with your doctor about switching to generic medications to save money? Discuss with your pharmacy about using coupons or discount cards. Contact your Part D insurance carrier to find out if mail-order options can save you money.

Answered by Glenn Soucek on June 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL, MO, MS, OH & TX

Answered by Glenn Soucek Medicare Insurance Agent

Maurice Ellis · Answer

To save on prescription drug costs, consider switching to generics, using discount cards or programs, comparing prices at different pharmacies, and exploring mail-order or online pharmacies. Also, ask your doctor about potentially splitting pills, getting 90-day supplies, and utilizing manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs.

Answered by Maurice Ellis on July 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in MS, AL, AR & 17 other states

Answered by Maurice Ellis Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason Meadows · Answer

There are several ways to save on prescription drug costs under Medicare. Reviewing your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan each year is key, since formularies and pricing can change. You can also ask your doctor about lower-cost generic alternatives or preferred medications that your plan covers at a lower tier.

Additionally, using in-network or preferred pharmacies, applying for programs like Extra Help (if you qualify), checking manufacturer discounts, and seeing if your state participates in a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program are just a few ways to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

April Ryan · Answer

If you have a Medicare Part D Drug Plan, my first advice would be to compare your plan every year during annual enrollment. New drug plans are made available each year. Also, shop pharmacies. You will be amazed at the difference in prices. Ask your doctor to perscribe a generic alternative to a name brand drug and use saving script plans such as Physicians Mutual SaveScript or GoodRX.

Answered by April Ryan on June 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, SC & VA

Answered by April Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Hawes · Answer

With the changes in Medicare, finding ways to save on your medications may or may not work in your favor.   Last year's modification where no senior should pay more than $2000 for their medication works well for some if their medication is especially expensive.  Otherwise: 
1.  The new Prescription Payment Plan will lower the monthly cost, especially if your medication is affected by the deductible in the beginning of the year.  
2.  Every year, you should watch your current prescription plan changes.  This year, the premiums have jumped a bit-- is the increased cost worth keeping the plan or should you move to a different one?
3.  Is your medication available in generic form?  Moving to generic is the easiest way to save on medication.
4.  For those on Medicare, finding other sources to save on medication is limited but can take many forms.  Check with your agent or contact us for more information.

Casey Peterson · Answer

This may seem obvious but first, make sure that if you are taking a name-brand drug you ask your provider if there is a Generic alternative. If so, make sure that Generic drug is covered on your plan. Second, make sure that you are using an in-network and preferred pharmacy. Many plans give you better prices when you use certain pharmacies. Third, many times a plan will give you a better price if you use their preferred mail-order pharmacy. Fourth, reach out to the drug manufacturer and see if they have any assistance programs for the drug you are taking. Fifth, contact Social Security and see if you qualify for the Federal program that helps with the cost of drugs. It is known as the Limited or Low-Income Subsidy program. Lastly, you can reach out to the state you live in and see if they have any assistance programs. A good insurance broker can guide you with any or all of these steps.

Answered by Casey Peterson on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AZ, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Casey Peterson Medicare Insurance Agent

Rowena Ndagha · Answer

Review your Medicare part D or advantage plan annually to ensure medications are covered
Use generic drugs whenever possible
Apply for extra help ( Low income subsidy)
Work with a Medicare agent to identify plans that best match your prescription needs and budget

Sergio Valenzuela · Answer

There is a program called "Extra Help" or LIS (Limited Income Subsidy) that is administered by Social Security Office to help to reduce the cost of your prescriptions such a deductible, premiums or/and copays for your current prescription plan. There is no cost to apply.

Answered by Sergio Valenzuela on March 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Sergio Valenzuela Medicare Insurance Agent

What are some ways to save on prescription drug costs?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

What are some ways to save on prescription drug costs?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website