Save Money on Your Medications
Free and low-cost programs can cut your prescription costs by up to 95% — often in minutes.
Start Here
These three options cover most situations. Start with GoodRx — it takes 60 seconds and requires no signup.
Find Patient Assistance Programs
Free brand-name drugs from manufacturers through NeedyMeds.
Visit NeedyMeds.orgApply for Medicaid Rx Coverage
Medicaid covers most prescriptions with $1–$4 copays or free.
Apply at COMPASSGoodRx — How It Works
Free, no account needed, works at thousands of pharmacies. This is the fastest way to lower your prescription costs.
Find the Lowest Price
Compare prices at pharmacies near you — CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, and more.
Show the Coupon
Show the GoodRx coupon on your phone (or print it) at the pharmacy counter.
Pay the Discounted Price
Often 80–95% off the retail price. Works for most generic medications.
Real Savings Example
Atorvastatin (cholesterol medication)
Retail price: ~$96/month
With GoodRx: as low as $5.64/month at pharmacies near you
That's $90+ in savings — every month
Walmart $4/$10 Generic Program
About 100 common generic medications for $4 (30-day supply) or $10 (90-day supply) at Walmart pharmacies — no insurance or membership required.
Common Included Medications
- Metformin (diabetes)
- Lisinopril (blood pressure)
- Amlodipine (blood pressure)
- Atenolol (heart/blood pressure)
- Sertraline (depression/anxiety)
- Escitalopram (depression/anxiety)
- Levothyroxine (thyroid)
- Atorvastatin (cholesterol)
- Simvastatin (cholesterol)
- Omeprazole (acid reflux)
- Amoxicillin (antibiotic)
- Furosemide (fluid retention)
How to Use the Walmart Program
- Ask your doctor if your prescription is available as a generic
- Take your prescription to a Walmart pharmacy
- Ask the pharmacist if your medication is on their $4 generic list
- No insurance card needed — just pay $4 or $10
- ShopRite Pharmacy — $4 generics program
- Giant Pharmacy — generic discount program
- Costco Pharmacy — no membership required for prescriptions; often lowest prices
- Rx Outreach — mail-order program for low-income patients: rxoutreach.org
NeedyMeds — Free Brand-Name Medications
Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) that provide brand-name medications for free or very low cost to people who can't afford them. NeedyMeds helps you find these programs.
Go to NeedyMeds.org
Free to use — no account needed for basic searches.
Search Your Medication Name
Type the brand name of your medication. You'll see manufacturer programs, income requirements, and application instructions.
Find the Manufacturer's PAP Application
Download or access the application online. Most require proof of income and a doctor's signature.
Have Your Doctor Complete the Application
Your doctor needs to sign and often provide a prescription. Ask your doctor's office to help — most are familiar with these programs.
Medications Are Mailed at No Charge
Approved medications are typically mailed directly to you or your doctor's office — at no cost to you.
Generic vs. Brand Name — What's the Difference?
| Generic Medication | Brand-Name Medication | |
|---|---|---|
| Same active ingredient? | Yes — FDA required | Yes |
| Same effectiveness? | Yes — proven by FDA | Yes |
| Average cost (no insurance) | $4–$40/month | $50–$600+/month |
| Covered by Medicaid | Yes — first choice, very low copay | Sometimes — may need prior authorization |
| Available on GoodRx discount? | Yes — usually deep discount | Some brands, but usually less discount |
PACE / PACENET — For Seniors 65+
Pennsylvania's prescription assistance program for residents 65 and older who are not already on Medicaid.
PACE
For lower-income seniors:
- Single: income under $14,500/year
- Married: income under $17,700/year
- You pay only $6–$9 per prescription
PACENET
For moderate-income seniors:
- Single: income up to $33,500/year
- Married: income up to $41,500/year
- Small copay + $40/month deductible
Insulin Help — For Diabetes Patients
Never ration insulin. If you are running out and cannot afford more, call your doctor or go to the ER immediately.
- Medicaid: Insulin is covered with a ≤ $3 copay
- GoodRx: Search your specific insulin at goodrx.com — prices can be significantly lower than retail
- Eli Lilly Insulin Value Program: $35/month cap — call 1-800-545-6962 or visit insulinaffordability.com
- Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance: Call 1-800-310-3669 or visit novocare.com
- Sanofi Insulins VALUEcard: Visit insulinhelp.com for copay help