GoodRx and Alternatives: A Plain-Language Guide

If you've never used a prescription discount program, you're probably overpaying. Here's what exists and how to choose.

GoodRx

**What it is:** A free coupon service that negotiates discount prices with pharmacies. You show the coupon at the pharmacy instead of using your insurance card — sometimes the discount price is lower than your insurance copay.

**How to use it:** Go to goodrx.com, search your medication and dosage, pick a pharmacy, and show the coupon (print it, screenshot it, or use the app).

**Best for:** Generics, common brand-name drugs. Particularly useful when your insurance doesn't cover a medication, or your deductible is high.

**Catch:** You cannot use GoodRx and insurance simultaneously. Compare prices and use whichever is lower.

Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs (costplusdrugs.com)

**What it is:** An online pharmacy that charges cost + 15% markup + dispensing fee. Completely transparent pricing.

**How to use it:** Requires a prescription. Order online, shipped to your door.

**Best for:** Generic medications, especially expensive ones like imatinib, albendazole, and many others. For some medications, the price difference is staggering.

**Catch:** Not all medications are available. Requires a few days for shipping. Not a controlled substance option.

NeedyMeds (needymeds.org)

**What it is:** A non-profit database of assistance programs, including manufacturer programs, state programs, and disease-specific organizations.

**How to use it:** Search your medication name. Get a list of assistance programs with contact information.

**Best for:** Finding programs you didn't know existed. More comprehensive than any single source.

RxAssist (rxassist.org)

Similar to NeedyMeds, maintained by a different non-profit. Worth checking both if you don't find what you need in one.

Which one should you use?

• •First: Check GoodRx and Cost Plus Drugs for immediate savings
• •Second: Check NeedyMeds/RxAssist if you need ongoing assistance or a free drug program
• •Third: Call the manufacturer directly — many have programs not listed in databases

You deserve your medication. These tools exist to make that more possible. 💜