How GoodRx works and what you should know.
When it comes to prescription drug costs, sticker shock is all too common.
Many Americans turn to discount programs like GoodRx, which can help users save up to 80% on medications. But is GoodRx really worth it, and can it save you money without drawbacks?
GoodRx has become a popular option for people looking to cut down on pharmacy costs, particularly those paying out of pocket. I’ve used it myself to save several hundred dollars on a single prescription drug.
While it offers significant savings in many cases, it’s not always the most cost-effective solution for everyone.
This article offers an overview of GoodRx — how to use it to save money on medication, considerations for using this program, and other alternatives to save money on prescription drug costs.
>> Sign up for GoodRX to see your savings potential.
What is GoodRx?
GoodRx is a free website and mobile app that helps people find lower prices on prescription medications at pharmacies in their area. By using the app or visiting goodrx.com, users can compare prices for FDA-approved drugs—both brand-name and generic—and access discounts of up to 80%.
Founded in 2011, the idea for GoodRx came about when co-founder Doug Hirsch was shopping pharmacies to get the best price for a prescription. There was a 50% cost difference between his regular pharmacy and another down the road, and “by accident” he started to find and share these discounts.
Today, GoodRx is a publicly traded company, and its stock is listed under the ticker symbol GDRX on the NASDAQ exchange. With its growth, GoodRx has expanded its role beyond simply providing discounts to become a key resource for navigating the often confusing and inconsistent world of prescription drug pricing.
GoodRx collects pricing information, coupons, and savings details from pharmacies across the U.S. to make it easier to navigate varying drug costs. Prescription prices are not fixed or regulated, and the same medication can cost significantly different amounts at nearby pharmacies, especially generic drugs — even for two pharmacies across the street from one another.
GoodRx states that part of its mission is to bring transparency and affordability to consumers so they can fight back against wildly varying prices.
The program shows you:
- Pharmacy prices for local and online pharmacies
- Manufacturer coupons or offers
- Membership prices, where customers can get a loyalty price if they belong to the store’s loyalty program
Their goal is to share unbiased price and coupon information so you can save the most money. In some instances, it may mean foregoing your insurance coverage altogether and getting a cheaper cash price.
Does GoodRx work with insurance companies?
No, GoodRx offers independent cost savings on prescription drugs.
Traditionally, patients rely on insurance companies to cover all or a portion of their drug costs. They rely on rates and discounts their insurance provider can negotiate to maximize savings.
GoodRx, however, offers an alternative cash price which is often lower than insurance copays or out-of-pocket costs.
How do I use GoodRx?
Users simply present the coupon at the pharmacy to access the savings. Usually, it’s enough just to tell the pharmacist that there’s a GoodRx coupon for the drug and show them the deal on your phone screen. It makes it quick and paperless.
- Go to GoodRx.com or download and open the GoodRx app.
- Enter your location (ZIP code) and the name of the drug.
- Review prices and discounts.
That’s it!
To get the savings, you can then:
- Text, email, or print the information.
- Or show the pharmacist the GoodRx price on your phone.
Using GoodRx to save over $1,000 on Viagra
Here’s an example of how a patient could use GoodRx to save money on Viagra.
Search for “Viagra” prices. You can do this at GoodRx.com from your phone if you’re at the store and don’t want to download the app.
Review prices in your area for Viagra. You can make adjustments based on dosage or quantity. The cheapest price offered is $2,530, over $400 cheaper than Thrifty White Pharmacy’s shelf price.
The app will also tell you the generic name of the drug and show prices for generic drug options.
The cost savings are staggering with $10.31 as the cheapest option for a generic version of the drug — compared to $2,530 for the name-brand version.
GoodRx partners with over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, including major chains like Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, and Rite Aid, as well as some independent pharmacies.
For those looking to save even more, the company offers GoodRx Gold, a subscription service that provides additional discounts for a monthly fee.
Insurance, no insurance, and GoodRx
It’s important to note that GoodRx functions as an alternative to insurance, not an add-on. This means you can’t use GoodRx and insurance at the same time, and any payments made through GoodRx won’t count toward your insurance deductible.
However many patients with insurance or Medicare still choose to use GoodRx pricing to find cash prices lower than their insurance co-payments, including hundreds of generic drugs available for just $4.
For people who frequently rely on GoodRx, the company’s Gold subscription may offer even deeper discounts. However, this paid service may not be necessary for occasional prescription needs.
Who is GoodRx best for?
GoodRx is particularly useful for those who:
- Lack health insurance
- Limited prescription drug coverage.
- Deal-savvy; those focused on getting the best price
- Those with pets; GoodRx offers steep savings on pet meds!
I have insurance but still save $324 a year with GoodRx
I’ve been fortunate to have excellent health care coverage, first through my employer and later through my husband’s plan. Even so, GoodRx has helped me save thousands of dollars.
For years, I was paying around $35 a month in copayments for two prescriptions—reasonable enough, especially since I was opting for generic versions. But after exploring GoodRx, I found I could get both medications for just $4 each, totaling $8 a month. That’s a savings of $324 a year—and nearly $1,000 over a few years.
And I saved over $800 on pet meds with GoodRx
Years ago, our beloved dog was diagnosed with epilepsy. As an important part of our family, not treating him was never an option.
Unfortunately, his medication was only available at “human” pharmacies. When I went to refill his first prescription and saw a price tag of over $500, I was floored. The pharmacist, to my shock, applied a GoodRx coupon which brought the cost down to about $85.
I didn’t ask for the coupon. I didn’t know what GoodRx was. He simply told me, “I’m giving you the GoodRx coupon discount.” It made a world of difference.
Pros of GoodRx
- Significant savings: GoodRx discounts can dramatically lower the price of medications, sometimes by as much as 80%.
- Ease of use: The app and website are user-friendly, allowing for quick searches and comparisons.
- Wide acceptance: The program is honored at most major pharmacies nationwide.
- No upfront cost: The basic GoodRx service is free, making it accessible to almost anyone.
Cons of GoodRx
- Privacy concerns: In 2023, GoodRx faced a $1.5 million fine from the FTC for sharing sensitive health data with advertisers without user consent. Although the company says it has addressed these issues, privacy-conscious users may still feel uneasy.
- Unpredictable pricing: GoodRx prices can change frequently, sometimes varying by the day or week.
- No insurance overlap: Payments made with GoodRx don’t count toward insurance deductibles, which could be a downside for people trying to meet their annual deductible.
- Limited participation: Some smaller pharmacies don’t accept GoodRx, often because the reimbursement rates don’t cover their costs.
GoodRx privacy concerns
Some people are wary of GoodRx’s privacy practices following a 2023 FTC settlement. The FTC (Fair Trade Commission) alleged that GoodRx improperly shared users’ health information with advertisers like Google and Facebook without proper consent. This included targeting users with ads based on their specific health conditions. The FTC fined GoodRx $1.5 million and required the company to obtain explicit consent before sharing user data.
In response, GoodRx stated its commitment to privacy and encouraged users to review its updated privacy policies. However, it’s important to understand that using GoodRx inherently involves sharing private information, such as the medications you search for and the pharmacies you frequent. Proceed with caution and exercise common sense.
Tip: The FTC offers some recommendations here on how to protect your privacy when using health-related apps.
I’m comfortable with this trade-off, but your comfort level may vary. In a digital world, privacy is rarely absolute — whether searching online, shopping in-store, or using a credit card. Retailers, platforms, and even grocery stores collect and store extensive data on us. Understanding this reality is key to making informed decisions.
Other ways to save on Rx
If GoodRx doesn’t meet your needs, there are other options for saving on prescriptions:
- Patient assistance programs: Many drug manufacturers provide financial aid for those struggling to afford medications.
- Cost Plus Drugs: This online pharmacy founded by Mark Cuban delivers low-cost generics without requiring insurance.
- Nonprofit grants: Organizations like the HealthWell Foundation offer financial assistance for medication costs.
- Pharmacy cash plans: Ask your local pharmacy if they have a discount program or competitive cash prices.
Bottom line
GoodRx is a handy tool for saving money on prescription medications, especially if you don’t have insurance or face high out-of-pocket costs. It’s not perfect—privacy concerns and unpredictable prices are real drawbacks—but for many people, the savings are worth it.
That said, it’s smart to approach GoodRx with your eyes open. Using it means sharing some personal information, and the savings may not always align with your needs. Think of it as one tool in your cost-saving toolkit—not the ultimate fix.
Looking for even more ways to cut costs? Check out FreshBuck’s guide to getting free samples. James has over a decade of experience working in the freebie marketing space, and here are his favorite spots to nab a free box of samples.
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