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    Rx Price Shopping

    Same drug, 10x price difference. Always compare.

    Best price tools

    • GoodRx — most popular. Compares all pharmacies.
    • SingleCare — competing app, sometimes lower.
    • RxSaver — Optum's app.
    • Cost Plus Drugs — Mark Cuban. Often 50-90% cheaper.
    • Amazon Pharmacy — Prime member discounts.
    • WellRx — competing.
    • Compare ALL — different drugs cheaper at different places.

    $4 generic lists

    • Walmart $4 List — 600+ generics for $4 (30 days) or $10 (90 days).
    • Costco — often cheaper than insurance copays.
    • HEB — many generics free.
    • Publix — free metformin, lisinopril, others.
    • If your med on a $4 list — skip insurance.

    Insurance vs cash

    • Sometimes cash + GoodRx beats insurance copay.
    • Tell pharmacist to compare.
    • Used to be illegal to mention — now legal (2018 law).
    • Never pay more than cash price.
    • Cash WON'T count toward Part D out-of-pocket — consider for non-formulary.

    Brand vs generic

    • Generic = same active ingredient. Saves 80%.
    • FDA tests bioequivalence.
    • Always ask for generic.
    • Some brand needed for narrow-therapeutic-window drugs (warfarin, levothyroxine).
    • Doctor must approve generic substitute.

    90-day vs 30-day

    • 90-day fills usually 1 copay (vs 3).
    • Saves 30-67%.
    • Mail order — Express Scripts, Caremark often free shipping.
    • Some retail also offer 90-day.
    • Less frequent pharmacy trips.
    • Best for stable, long-term meds.

    Patient assistance programs

    • NeedyMeds — needymeds.org. Free directory.
    • RxAssist — pharma assistance programs.
    • Pharmaceutical company programs — e.g., Eliquis, Trulicity assistance.
    • Income limits often $50K+ — many qualify.
    • Some 100% free for limited time.
    • Manufacturer copay cards — for brand drugs.

    Cost Plus Drugs

    Mark Cuban's pharmacy: costplusdrugs.com. Cuts middlemen. Often 90% off retail. 1,000+ generics. No insurance accepted but cash prices often lower than insurance copays. Senior favorite. Mail-order to your home. Worth checking every prescription.