Mark LuigiYou’ve probably seen the GoodRx commercials. But do you actually know how it works, when to use it, and when your Medicare plan is the better deal? Here’s a clear, no-hype guide to prescription discount cards for seniors.
What Is GoodRx?
GoodRx is a free tool — available as a website and mobile app — that lets you compare prescription drug prices at pharmacies near you and access discounted prices using a coupon or card. It works by negotiating bulk pricing with pharmacies through middlemen, then passing those savings on to you at the register.
It is not insurance. It doesn’t replace Medicare or any other coverage. But in certain situations, it can offer a significantly lower price than what your insurance plan charges.
How It Works in Three Steps
- Search your medication: Go to GoodRx.com or open the app. Enter your drug name, dosage, and quantity to see prices at pharmacies near you.
- Choose the best price: Prices can vary dramatically between pharmacies — sometimes by $50 or more for the same drug. Pick the pharmacy with the lowest price.
- Show your coupon: Print the coupon, email it to yourself, or show it on your phone. Present it to the pharmacist before they process your prescription. Tell them you want to use GoodRx instead of insurance.
GoodRx works at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco, Rite Aid, and most local pharmacies.
Can You Use GoodRx with Medicare?
This is the most important thing to understand: you cannot use GoodRx and Medicare Part D at the same time for the same prescription. You must choose one or the other for each fill.
When GoodRx may be the better choice:
- Your medication isn’t covered by your Part D plan
- Your plan’s co-pay for a specific drug is higher than the GoodRx price
- You’re in your plan’s deductible period and paying full cost anyway
When to stick with Medicare:
- Your Part D co-pay is lower than the GoodRx price (always compare first)
- You want your spending to count toward your annual $2,000 out-of-pocket cap — GoodRx purchases do not count toward that limit
The smart approach: always check GoodRx prices before each refill, even if you usually use Medicare. Prices fluctuate, and what was cheaper last month may have changed.
How Much Can You Save?
Savings vary widely by drug. Generic medications tend to see the biggest discounts. As one example, 30 tablets of atorvastatin (a common cholesterol medication) can cost $2–$5 with a GoodRx coupon at many pharmacies, compared to retail prices of $40–$60. Savings on brand-name drugs are often more modest.
GoodRx reports that its users saved an average of 83% off retail prices in 2024. Keep in mind that “retail price” is the pharmacist’s full undiscounted price, which most people never actually pay. The real comparison is GoodRx vs. your Medicare co-pay.
GoodRx Gold: Is the Paid Version Worth It?
GoodRx offers a paid subscription called GoodRx Gold, which starts at $9.99 per month and offers deeper discounts on a wider range of medications. If the extra savings exceed the monthly fee — which they often do for seniors taking multiple prescriptions — it may be worth considering. GoodRx offers a free 30-day trial you can cancel anytime.
Other Discount Cards Worth Knowing
GoodRx isn’t the only option. A few others to compare:
- SingleCare: Works at about 35,000 pharmacies, with a senior-friendly design that includes larger text and printable coupons. Often competitive with GoodRx on generics.
- RxSaver: Another free comparison tool worth checking alongside GoodRx.
- America’s Pharmacy: Free card accepted at over 59,000 pharmacies, with savings up to 85%.
The best practice: check two or three of these tools for any expensive prescription. Prices can vary between them, and a few minutes of comparison can save real money.
A Note on Privacy
GoodRx collects health data related to your prescription searches. In 2023, the FTC took action against GoodRx for sharing sensitive health data with advertisers. GoodRx has since made changes, but if privacy is a concern, SingleCare and RxSaver have different data policies worth reviewing.
Quick tip: Keep the GoodRx app on your phone or bookmark GoodRx.com. Before every prescription refill, do a 60-second price check. It costs nothing and could save you money every single month.
Explore more ways to lower your healthcare costs at Smarter Senior Living — we search so you don’t have to.
