In this second of a three part series on affording diabetes medications, an overview of websites, medication discount programs, and prescription discount cards are all highlighted. I have found numerous websites that exist to assist people with an array cost saving options for medications. Below is a short list of some of the most common websites and the key points for each.
o GoodRx (www.goodrx.com)
• Compare drug prices to locate a local pharmacy with lowest cash price for a specific medication (put in drug name, quantity and zip code) for your home area.
• GoodRx coupons will help lower the overall cost of prescriptions. Print coupon and bring with you to your pharmacy.
• However, Coupons will NOT lower your copay if you have insurance.
• If you are a techie an App is available!
o BlinkHealth (www.blinkhealth.com)
• Anyone can use – regardless of insurance status.
• Good ONLY for generic medications.
• Search for medication and pay online at website.
• Name and date of birth on your BlinkHealth account must match your prescription.
• Print out blink card and bring with you to your local pharmacy. Copay will be $0.
• Refundable purchase.
• Mobile App is available.
o NeedyMeds (www.needymeds.com)
• Helps people locate assistance programs to purchase their medications and contain other healthcare costs.
• Works with patient assistance programs of several pharmaceutical distributors.
• Good for prescription medications as well!
• No registration required.
o American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Prescription Savings Directory (http://prescriptionhelp.aace.com/)
• A list of branded endocrine –related medications name drugs that have discount or rebate program.
• Easily accessible in alphabetical order.
o RxAssist (www.rxassist.org)
• Patient Assistance Program Center.
• Offered by CMS.
• A list of brand name drugs that have discount or rebate program.
• Easily accessible, in alphabetical order.
There are numerous prescription discount cards available that provide medication cost savings. Partnership for Prescription Assistance (https://www.pparx.org/prescription_assistance_programs/savings_cards) is a website that provides a lists of prescription savings cards. A sampling of only a few of the many available prescription savings cards is below.
• Better Rx Card (www.betterrxcard.com)
• Georgia Drug Card (www.georgiadrugcard.com)
• Discount Drug Network (www.discountdrugnetwork.com)
• Easy Drug Card (https://easydrugcard.com/)
• App Available
• WebMD Rx Savings Card (https://www.webmd.com/rx)
• App Available
• Drugs.com Discount Card (https://www.drugs.com/discount-card/)
Lastly, some pharmacies offer prescription savings clubs or rewards programs. These clubs or programs are particularly useful if patients get all of their prescriptions filled at the particular pharmacy. Below is a list of a few national programs.
• Walgreens Prescription Savings Club
• Kmart Pharmacy Rewards
• Rite Aid Rx Savings Program
As a diabetes educator, I have assisted numerous patients with getting prescription drug assistance information and forms through needymeds.org as it is easy to use and has all of the available assistance program details in one place. Also, I explain how to complete paperwork and required documentation for each patient. If you are an educator or provider, I highly encourage you to guide patients through this process as it can be very confusing. If you are a patient, reach out to your diabetes educator or provider for assistance navigating this process.
To be savvy in saving money on prescription medications, a little homework before going to the pharmacy is key. Make sure to check the websites listed above and check for available prescription discount cards in your area. Also, investigate savings clubs or rewards program with your local community pharmacies. These tools in your savings toolbox will take the pressure off your wallet. #savingmoney #NeedyMeds #BlinkHealth #GoodRx #RxAssist #PrescriptionHelpAACE #discoundcards