A Quick, Easy, Legit Way to Cut Prescription Drug Costs

I want to tell you about a shocking encounter I had with my friendly neighborhood pharmacy that opened my eyes and forever changed the way we use big discounts to slash our prescription drug costs.

For several years, my doctor had prescribed two preventive-type medications, both generic. Together, they cost about $24 for a 30-day supply. Given that our health insurance at the time included prescription coverage, I never questioned my copay or refill frequency or that there might be cheaper alternatives.

And then we changed our health insurance providers, a small matter that had slipped my mind that day as I drove through to pick up refills.

Shock and Awe

The pharmacist asked if I’d changed insurance; I said yes, I had, and she responded, “That will be $178.” What?! Once I retrieved my jaw up from the steering wheel, I asked her why the price was so high. She explained my previous coverage, pharmaceuticals, and the high cost of meds. I paid the new amount and could not get home fast enough to search for a cheaper place to get these meds filled in the future.

Better Option

I had to look at the search results three times before I could believe what I was reading. One of the links was to the Rite Aid Rx Savings Program. I input the two medications in the search box provided, and the price quote came back as less than $26 total for a 90-day supply for both medications—about $8.75 per month, not even close to the $24 for 30 days I had been paying with insurance for quite a few years.

Second Trip

I grabbed the receipts, bottles, and paperwork and quickly rushed back to the pharmacy.

I asked the same employee about the Rite Aid Rx Savings Plan and if my prescriptions would qualify. She hesitated, then asked me why I hadn’t requested information on the program when I was there earlier.

I bit my tongue. It required a good deal of restraint, but I did not lash out. Well, that would be rather difficult because I did not know about your Savings Plan!

Instead, I remained calm as she contacted my prescribing doctor, re-filled the meds for 90 days, handing me new receipts and $150 cash.

That Was Then, This Is Now

Some time ago, the Rite Aid Rx Savings Plan program was discontinued in favor of SingleCare, a more comprehensive prescription savings program that is also accepted by nearly 100 other pharmacies.

SingleCare is a free-to-use prescription discount service that negotiates low prices with pharmacies so you can afford the medications you need. SingleCare offers discounts on more than 10,000 brand-name and generic drugs, allowing you to save up to 80% on the retail or “cash” price.

• MORE: 8 Easy Ways to Slash the High Cost of Prescription Drugs in 2024

How to Slash Your Prescription Drug Costs

Sign up at SingleCare.com

SingleCare is your go-to prescription savings solution. As a free-to-use service, SingleCare actively negotiates with pharmacies to secure the lowest prices possible on vital medications. Their mission? To ensure that affordability never stands in the way of your health and well-being.

Search a prescription

SingleCare provides discounts on over 10,000 brand-name and generic medications, offering you the chance to save up to a remarkable 80% off the retail or “cash” price. Remember to input precise details such as the form, dosage, and quantity of your prescription during your search. This attention to detail guarantees that you’ll receive the most accurate price possible when you visit the pharmacy, ensuring maximum savings on your medications.

Choose the best coupon

Prices may fluctuate depending on the pharmacy you visit. Choose the coupon that’s best for you, then save it for easy access.

Show your pharmacist

When it’s time to refill your prescription, inform your pharmacist that you’re a SingleCare member and present your coupon card. Request that they use it to process your prescription, and watch as they input the numbers to apply your savings.

SingleCare Member Pharmacies

Your SingleCare pharmacy savings card can be used at over 35,000 major pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, Albertsons, Safeway, Vons H-E-B, Hy-Vee, Meijer, Wegmans, and Rite Aid.

NOTE: Some pharmacies, such as Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS, feature signature SingleCare cards that will maximize your savings at those pharmacies. Make sure to use the signature card when applicable.

Top Ten SingleCare FAQs

Is there a fee for using SingleCare?

SingleCare believes that everyone should have access to the most budget-friendly medication prices, regardless of whether they're insured. What makes SingleCare stand out is its commitment to being completely free to use—no hidden charges or bureaucratic hurdles involved. With SingleCare, you can enjoy savings at over 35,000 pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, H-E-B, Hy-Vee, and Wegmans. Wherever you are across the country, SingleCare is ready to offer you substantial discounts on your prescription drug costs.

How can I register for a card?

1. Go to SingleCare.com or download the app from the App Store or Google Play for iOS and Android devices. 2. Enter the name of your prescription and customize the search criteria for your precise dosage, quantity, and zip code. 3. Compare prices across various pharmacies and choose the best option for you. You can then print, text, or save the selected coupon. 4. Bring the free drug coupon with you when you drop off or pick up your prescription at the pharmacy.

Is it possible to utilize SingleCare alongside insurance or Medicare?

Even if you're insured or covered by Medicare, you can still take advantage of SingleCare to reduce your prescription costs. Rest assured, it's completely legal and compliant with regulations. In fact, using SingleCare might result in a lower copay for your prescription compared to using your Medicare card. It's important to understand that when you use SingleCare, your pharmacy will process it instead of Medicare, meaning the discounts won't be combined. Additionally, if you discover a lower price through SingleCare, the copay amount won't count towards your Medicare deductible, which means it won't expedite your exit from the coverage gap, aka the “donut hole.”

Is SingleCare applicable for use with pets?

Absolutely! If your pet's medication is also prescribed for humans, you can utilize your SingleCare card to receive a discount. For instance, if your pet requires an antibiotic like amoxicillin or an anxiety-relieving medication like alprazolam, you can use SingleCare at your usual pharmacy to reduce the expense of your pet's prescription

How can I apply my bonus savings?

SingleCare provides a loyalty rewards initiative known as SingleCare Member Savings. Signing up is all it takes! When you use SingleCare for the first time on a prescription, you'll instantly receive $3 off your next eligible medication refill. Subsequently, you'll earn $1 for nearly every medication you fill at the pharmacy using SingleCare, with no extra charge to you. Loyalty program participants can access these bonus savings by logging into SingleCare's website or mobile app. To register for a new account, simply visit singlecare.com/signup.

What If a partner pharmacy doesn't accept my card?

If you encounter any difficulties using SingleCare, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. You can contact the customer support team at 844-234-3057. If your pharmacists need guidance on how to apply your savings, they can reach out to the SC pharmacist support team directly at 800-974-3135.

What caused the change in the SingleCare price at the pharmacy?

If you have a long-term prescription, you're probably accustomed to paying a consistent amount for it each month. However, SingleCare savings operate differently from traditional insurance copays, and there may be slight price variations. This is because we regularly evaluate our pricing, taking into account market conditions and utilizing discounts negotiated directly with pharmacies. SingleCare frequently updates its prices to be certain they are as precise and deeply discounted as possible. Before refilling your medications, make sure to check the website or mobile app for the current cost.

What’s the difference between SingleCare and other pharmacy discount cards?

SingleCare’s discount card can save you up to 80% at thousands of pharmacies nationwide, and our bonus savings program boosts those savings every time you fill a script. Our prices are highly competitive versus other pharmacy discount cards, so if you want the best price for your prescription, check it out! SingleCare never charges a fee to use its card, like some competitors do.

Is SingleCare a scam?

If you're concerned about the legitimacy of SingleCare, you can put those worries to rest—it's not a scam! Despite our prices appearing remarkably advantageous, they are indeed genuine. Our aim is to provide you with the best prescription price possible, achieved through direct partnerships with pharmacies. SingleCare prioritizes your privacy and never sell or disclose your personal information to third-party entities.

Is SingleCare price only an estimate?

SingleCare's prices are not merely estimates, but they may experience occasional fluctuations. It's essential to verify the cost of your prescriptions before filling a script. This makes certain you have the most current pricing information every time.

 

Question: Have you ever experienced sticker shock at the pharmacy counter when filling a prescription? Share your experiences down below.

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