How To Use Good RX To Save on Prescriptions
Written by
Kristopher Kane
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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Prescription drugs are expensive, even with health insurance covering part of the cost. Some drug companies have programs geared toward helping consumers with special discounts, but not all pharmaceutical companies have these “manufacturer discount programs,” and not all drugs are covered by them. That’s where GoodRx comes in.
GoodRx is designed to help consumers find the lowest prescription prices. But how does it work, and more importantly, can it really save you money? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is GoodRx?
GoodRx is a digital platform that searches a network of 70,000 pharmacies across the U.S. for the best deals on prescription drugs. GoodRx will match you with the lowest-priced pharmacy in your area and, in most cases, provide a coupon you can use for potentially significant savings compared to off-the-shelf pricing.
GoodRx even offers primary care telehealth appointments with licensed healthcare professionals for only $49.
How To Use GoodRx
You can use the GoodRx mobile app to search for a specific medication and compare prices, with the option to save your prescriptions and be notified of any price changes.
The app also features health information in blog-style articles and short videos from authoritative sources on medical conditions, medications and healthcare-focused information.
Using the coupons is a simple process. To redeem a GoodRx discount, show your pharmacist the QR code in the app, and the amount will be automatically deducted from the cost of your medication.
Does GoodRx Really Save You Money on Prescriptions?
The price of prescription drugs can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, sometimes by as much as $100 or more. Because GoodRx has access to drug pricing information from its extensive network of pharmacies, you can save quite a bit on the cost of medication just by comparing the price of your prescription across various pharmacies and finding the lowest price available.
The coupons GoodRx offers on many medications can increase those savings. The average user saved around $150 compared to a pharmacy’s pricing and over 5 million customers have saved over $500 on the price of a medication with GoodRx.
Is There a Downside To Using GoodRx?
GoodRx doesn’t work with insurance, meaning you can’t combine GoodRx savings with private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Though GoodRx can sometimes save you money on the insurance-covered price of prescription medication, you’ll still be paying out of pocket for your medications. This means that you won’t be applying the cost of these medications toward any deductible your insurance may have.
How Many Times Can You Use GoodRx for the Same Prescription?
GoodRx can save you money every time you go to the pharmacy to fill a prescription, even if it’s a prescription you’ve used a GoodRx coupon on before. There’s no limit to the number of times you can use GoodRx for any medication, and you can use multiple GoodRx coupons for multiple prescription medications at a time.
You can even use the GoodRx app to find discounts on over-the-counter medications ranging from heartburn remedies, nicotine patches, vitamins and even aspirin. GoodRx can even help you save on medical expenses for supplies like test strips, blood glucose meters and more.
Do You Need a Prescription To Use a GoodRx Coupon?
GoodRx can help you save but you must first have a legitimate prescription from a medical professional.
You can also use the app to book an appointment with a licensed healthcare professional, but GoodRx doesn’t provide medical advice directly and can’t prescribe medications. Though you can use the app to search for prices for a specific medication or learn more about drugs and the conditions they treat, a pharmacy can only fill a prescription from a healthcare provider.
GoodRx Gold
In addition to providing pricing information across a large network of pharmacies and offering coupons for prescription medications, GoodRx has a premium membership service called GoodRx Gold.
GoodRx Gold has a monthly fee of $9.99 but with that fee comes lower telehealth visits and the following perks:
- Members can save as much as 90% on their prescription medication.
- Offers discounted online healthcare provider visits via GoodRx Care.
- Free home delivery for certain drugs.
GoodRx Care
GoodRx Care is a service of GoodRx that connects you with healthcare professionals who can prescribe medication for many common ailments and conditions. Using GoodRx Care is a straightforward process.
- You start the GoodRx Care process by answering a few medical history questions.
- These questions are briefly assessed by trained medical staff.
- You’re then connected with a licensed healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and possible treatment options.
Depending on your preferences, you can communicate with them through text, call or video. The healthcare professional will assess your condition and medical history, including your history of prescribed medicines, and then prescribe any needed medication. You’ll have the option of same-day pick-up at your preferred pharmacy or, in most cases, same-day home delivery.
Final Take
GoodRx is a good resource for anyone who regularly takes prescribed medicine and wants to make the most of their money. GoodRx can help you find the lowest prices on prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as on medical supplies. The app can even connect you with healthcare providers who can diagnose and prescribe medications via telehealth.
It’s important to note that prices can change, and your exact savings may fluctuate. You may wish to call your pharmacy to verify pricing information before picking up a prescription to avoid any confusion.
Information is accurate as of Nov. 6, 2023.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
