The expenses that are associated with getting prescription medication increases on a daily basis. Many people falsely assume that having a good insurance plan automatically leads to better rates when it comes to filling prescriptions, but this is far from the truth. The reality of the fact is that prescription prices can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, regardless if they're located within a few miles of each other. In fact, data suggest that the Average American spends as much as $1,200 per year on prescription drugs. This is significantly higher than an average individual in another country, due to the fact that America has some of the highest drug rates in the world. One of the ways users can reduce their expenses is to utilize GoodRx.

GoodRx Features And Benefits

GoodRx gives users the ability to utilize online and mobile search tools so that they can locate the lowest prices in their area. They also provide coupons and special discounts which can help to reduce your expenses on various types of medications. GoodRx can be best described as an online marketplace that provides information on discounts and deals on various prescription medications. The company proclaims that users can save as much as 70% on their prescription medication, through 70,000 pharmacies which utilize their free service. Users also have the ability to email, text or print coupons through its mobile application. The process of getting discounts is relatively simple. Users don't even have to register an account to take advantage of their services. All they have to do is to type in the name of the drug and they'll receive a list of different pharmacies that provides the lowest prices in their area. In addition to displaying the amount of money you can save by going to a particular pharmacy, it also provides information on the distance of said pharmacies as well as the side effects of the drug. Once users have found the best price, they can send the coupon to their phone or print it out. Mobile app users can also show the pharmacist their digital coupon from their smartphones.

One of the biggest problems that are associated with prescription discount programs is a lack of support amongst various pharmacies. GoodRx is accepted by over 70,000 pharmacies such as major brands like Kroger, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Costco. Additionally, pharmacies that participate in GoodRx's program, are contractually and legally obligated to accept their coupons. In fact, GoodRx proclaims that if an in-network pharmacy doesn't accept a given coupon, they can contact GoodRx directly to get it sorted out. While users can access the company's service without creating an account, users are strongly encouraged to create a free account at a minimum. By doing this, they'll send you a free discount card through the mail, which lets you automatically receive the best rates and discounts, without having to pre-screen each drug or download multiple coupons. This can prove to be especially useful for individuals who have multiple prescriptions and would like a quick and convenient way to get multiple discounts all at once.

Even though the app is free, users can pay a small monthly fee to access GoodRx Gold. The gold plan provides even greater discounts compared to the standard free plan. With gold membership, users can save up to 90% off the original price. The monthly cost for GoodRx Gold is $5.99 for a single person, or $9.99 for a family of up to five people. The company proclaimed that upon getting a premium account, users will get instant access to over 1,000 different types of medication that cost $10 or less. The company provides a 30 day trial for its gold membership. So, if customers are not satisfied with the rates that they receive in comparison to the free plan, they can cancel their membership within 30 days and receive a full refund. GoodRx Gold is not accepted at as many pharmacies as the standard version, but many major brands accept it, such as Walmart, CVS and Sam's Club.

One of the more interesting features of the app is that while it doesn't provide animal specific prescription drugs per se, some coupons work for pet drugs that are also taken by people. This entails drugs such as amitriptyline and diazepam. Therefore, as a pet owner, you may be able to receive a discount for various medications that are used by both humans and animals. Another important thing to note is that GoodRx does not work with Medicare or insurance companies in general. That isn't to say that you can't use their services if you already have health insurance, it's just that you have to choose between using GoodRx or your insurance provider to acquire a given medication. Purchases made through GoodRx are viewed as being an 'out of network' purchase by insurance providers. In some cases, depending on the partnership that your insurance company established with various pharmacies, you may be able to get better rates by using your insurance as opposed to GoodRx.

Pros

• User Friendly - The user interface of the app is simple and easy to navigate. Elderly individuals will love the fact that they don't have to provide personal information to use the service and can acquire a physical discount card which eliminates the need to check multiple rates.
• Does What It Promises - The company proclaims that it can save you money on your prescription expenses and it definitely does what it promises.

Cons

• Estimate Only - Prices are not set in stone. Coupons are only an estimate of what your final price will be.
• Generic - In order for you to get the best discounts, you have to purchase generic medicine.

Should I Use GoodRx?

Unless you use a specialty pharmacy, there's no reason why you shouldn't try their services. They can help you to locate cheap prescriptions regardless if you have Medicare or a standard insurance plan. Even though purchases made through GoodRx discounts are regarded as being 'out of network' purchases in the eyes of an insurance company, in some instances the discounts you get may be lower that your insurance copay.