Can I use GoodRx instead of Medicare Part D?

Yes, you can use GoodRx instead of Medicare Part D for a specific prescription if the GoodRx price is lower or if your drug isn't covered, but you cannot combine them, and costs don't count toward your Medicare deductible; just ask the pharmacist to process it as cash, not insurance. This is best for situations where your Part D plan has high copays or doesn't cover the drug, but remember you still need Part D for overall coverage and to avoid future penalties, so compare prices carefully.

Is GoodRx a good alternative to Medicare Part D?

No, GoodRx is not "as good as" Medicare Part D; it's a separate discount tool you can use instead of Part D for individual prescriptions when it's cheaper, but you still need Part D for overall coverage to avoid penalties and cover gaps, as GoodRx doesn't combine with Medicare and isn't insurance. GoodRx excels when your drug isn't covered, when its cash price beats your Part D copay, or during the coverage gap (donut hole). 

Why can't Medicare patients use GoodRx?

GoodRx can't be used in combination with Medicare, but it can be used in place of Medicare. You may want to consider using GoodRx instead of Medicare when Medicare doesn't cover your medication, when you won't reach your annual deductible, or when you're in the coverage gap phase (“donut hole”) of your Medicare plan.

Does GoodRx count as Part D?

Doesn't Count Toward Part D Spending: Purchases made with GoodRx won't count toward your Medicare deductible or out-of-pocket threshold. Pharmacy Limitations: Some pharmacies may restrict GoodRx use for Medicare recipients, but most do accept it.

What is the downside to someone using GoodRx?

The FTC claims GoodRx shared information about users' health conditions and prescription drugs with digital advertisers like Facebook and Google without users' permission — and contrary to what it told users in its privacy policy.

GoodRX vs. Medicare Part D | Which Should You Get?

Why do pharmacies not like GoodRx?

GoodRx may seem good for patients, but it's not good for their local pharmacies and communities. by contracting with large PBMs, they take away patient choice and pharmacy choice. The discounts that seem like a benefit are killing their local pharmacy, one prescription at a time.

Why is GoodRx charging me $9.99 a month?

Unless you have a discounted Membership Fee, you will be charged $9.99 for the Individual Membership or $19.99 for the Family Membership for each monthly Membership Cycle, or $89 for the Individual Membership and $179 for the Family Membership for each annual Membership Cycle prior to or at the beginning of each ...

How can I lower my Medicare Part D prescription costs?

Other ways to lower your prescription drug costs:

• Join Medicare drug coverage (Part D): ...
• Ask your doctor if you can take a generic drug, or a cheaper brand-name drug (if one's available).
• Check costs for mail-order pharmacies. ...
• Learn if the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan might be able to help you manage your costs.

Can a pharmacy refuse to accept GoodRx?

Are pharmacies required to accept GoodRx coupons? Participating pharmacies are required to accept GoodRx through contracts with their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). An exception is for controlled medications. Accepting a GoodRx coupon for a controlled medication is always at the discretion of the pharmacist.

What is the best Medicare Part D prescription plan for seniors?

• Best for low average premiums: Wellcare Medicare Part D.
• Best for $0 premiums: Humana Medicare Part D.
• Additional Medicare Part D companies.
• Best for widespread availability: AARP Medicare Part D Plans from UnitedHealthcare.
• Best pharmacy network: Aetna SilverScript Medicare Part D Plans.

What's the catch in using GoodRx?

The "catch" with GoodRx involves significant privacy concerns (sharing health info with advertisers), the fact that discounts don't count towards insurance deductibles (requiring out-of-pocket payment), price fluctuations, and limited pharmacy choices, although it can still offer substantial savings for many. GoodRx has faced penalties for violating user privacy by sharing sensitive health data for advertising, a practice they promised not to do. 

Can I use GoodRx if I'm over 65?

While most discounts provided on GoodRx can be used regardless of your age and Medicare status, state and federal laws place restrictions on how brand-name drugs can be discounted.

Can I use a prescription discount card with Medicare Part D?

You can check online or ask your pharmacist for prescription discount cards that may be available to you. Be aware that these cards cannot be used in conjunction with your plan benefits.

Is it worth getting Medicare Part D?

Yes, getting Medicare Part D is usually worth it as a safety net for prescription drug costs, even if you don't take meds now, to avoid future late enrollment penalties and to get lower negotiated prices, with new 2025/2026 features like an out-of-pocket cap ($2,100) and payment plans making it even more valuable for costly drugs, though you should compare plans annually for the best fit. 

Is anything better than GoodRx?

Yes, several alternatives to GoodRx offer comparable or sometimes better prescription discounts, with top contenders being SingleCare, WellRx, and RxSaver, each varying in specific drug prices, so comparing them is key; also consider pharmacy-specific programs like CVS/Walgreens discounts, telehealth-integrated services like Blink Health, or even Costco's program for members, as no single card is always cheapest. 

What is the best way to compare Medicare Part D plans?

Visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare to find plans in your area. Even if you aren't taking many drugs right now, get peace of mind and avoid a potential late enrollment penalty by choosing a plan with a low monthly premium. To spread your costs across the entire year, look for plans with a low or no deductible.

Can I use GoodRx instead of Part D?

You can use most GoodRx discounts instead of your Medicare Part D or Advantage plan if the GoodRx price is less than your co-pay. However, you can't combine the two. If the pharmacist tries to process the discount with your Medicare information, the discount will not be applied.

What is red flagged at pharmacy?

When a pharmacy "red flags" you, it means a pharmacist noticed warning signs (red flags) with your prescription, usually for controlled substances, suggesting potential misuse, diversion, or fraud, prompting them to investigate further by contacting the doctor or patient before dispensing to ensure it's legitimate, with serious consequences for pharmacies ignoring these flags. Red flags can include getting early refills, paying in cash for opioids, having prescriptions from multiple doctors, or suspicious patterns like a whole family getting the same drug. 

Is there a reason not to use GoodRx?

GoodRx's “not-so-good privacy practices” made it the first-ever company penalized for violating the FTC's Health Breach Notification Rule, according to a post by senior attorney Lesley Fair on the agency's business blog.

What if I can't afford Medicare Part D?

Just complete our Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020). Use one of these methods: Apply online at www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request an application.

What do most people pay for Medicare Part D?

The average cost for a standalone Medicare Part D plan is around $34.50 per month for 2026, but costs vary widely by plan, location, and income, with deductibles up to $615 and copays/coinsurance for drugs. For Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans with drug coverage (MAPD), the average premium is lower, projected to be about $11.50 monthly in 2026, plus your Part B premium. Key costs include premiums, deductibles (max $615 in 2026), copays/coinsurance, and potential Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA) for higher earners. 

How to get off Medicare Part D?

To cancel Medicare Part D, contact your plan provider directly during an enrollment period (like the Oct 15–Dec 7 Annual Enrollment Period) or a Special Election Period (SEP) to submit a written request or use their online/phone options, but be aware you might face a late enrollment penalty if you drop coverage without creditable alternative drug coverage. 

Why is GoodRx being investigated?

Why are lawsuits being filed? It is alleged that GoodRx and the PBMs used proprietary algorithms to share confidential pricing data and ultimately engage in price-fixing when it comes to the reimbursements offered for generic prescription drugs.

How many times can I use GoodRx?

You can use GoodRx coupons and cards multiple times, even for refills, as they don't expire, but you should get a new coupon each time from the app or website for the best, most current price, as prices change; GoodRx allows use for most drugs, but it can't be combined with insurance or government programs like Medicare/Medicaid, and rewards points expire after inactivity. 

Is it better to use GoodRx or insurance?

GoodRx isn't always better than insurance; it depends on the drug and your plan, but it often beats insurance for generics, high-copay meds, or when you haven't met your deductible, while insurance is usually better for brand names or contributing to your deductible/out-of-pocket max. The key is to always compare prices using GoodRx and your insurance before filling, as GoodRx coupons can't be combined with insurance but can offer significant savings, sometimes even below your copay.