8 Ways To Get Free Items From Pharmacies

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Americans are spending increasingly more on healthcare costs that their health plans don’t cover every year. In fact, Americans’ out-of-pocket spending grew 6.6% in 2022, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and has continued on an upward trend.

Additionally, at least 1 in 5 adults (around 21%) either skipped filling a prescription or purchased over-the-counter options instead due to costs and more people have cut doses in half, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

While there is no magic wand to make all your healthcare needs free, there are some ways to get free items or services from pharmacies. 

Become Pregnant or Have Children

Pregnant people may be eligible for certain free vitamins and supplements programs, such as Good Neighbors pharmacy’s Free Vitamin Program. If you’re eligible, you can receive free prenatal vitamins and multivitamins for children as well as for adults and seniors.

Additionally, Health and Human Services offers resources for pregnant women for a variety of free and low-cost health services and items.

Sam’s Club Plus and Krogers RX Savings Club Members

For retailers with an attached pharmacy, through certain membership programs, you may also qualify for certain prescriptions for free. Some of these include Sam’s Club Plus membership and Krogers RX Savings Club membership.

At Sam’s Club, the Plus membership will allow you to obtain the following generic versions of these drugs (and one vitamin) free, among others:

• Amlodipine
• Donepezil
• Escitalopram
• Finasteride
• Lisinopril
• Metformin
• Montelukast
• Pioglitazone
• Sertraline
• Vitamin D2 50,000IU

Order by Mail

While you won’t get free items, per se, your shipping is often free through pharmacies ranging from Walmart to OptumRX if you order your prescriptions online.

Become a Senior

Perhaps the best way to start taking advantage of free items and services is to achieve senior status. In some places, this may start as early as age 55, while in others it may be 62 and older. Many pharmacies, such as Rite Aid, Walmart and CVS, offer discounts and free items, ranging from percentages off your price to free vitamins and even samples of medications.

Additionally, Medicare’s website offers a variety of pharmaceutical assistance programs for people who are struggling to afford needed medications.

Get Your Vaccines/Immunizations at Pharmacies

CVS and Walgreens are among the pharmacies that offer certain vaccinations for free to eligible customers, such as flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

If You Don’t Like the Taste of Medicine

If you have a liquid medication that has an unpleasant taste, you can take it to Rite Aid pharmacies, where they will add a flavor compound to make that medicine go down easier, typically for free. You may want to check with your local Rite Aid first, however.

Join a Rewards Programs

Most pharmacies offer some kind of rewards program whereby, with a number of purchases, or just for being a loyal member, you receive discounts and freebies. Some of these include Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and Meijer.

Take Advantage of Free Health Screenings

Lastly, CVS’ Project Health offers free biometric screenings to help spot chronic conditions, which can be a boon for seniors or people with health concerns. Additionally, Texas-based H-E-B stores offer free blood pressure and blood glucose checks. 

If you’re in a position to need free or low-cost pharmacy items or services, be sure to research assistance programs, and if all else fails, simply ask at your local pharmacy.

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