Are prescriptions more expensive at certain pharmacies?

Asked by: Ransom Schulist  |  Last update: September 29, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (8 votes)

Did you know that prices vary from pharmacy to pharmacy for the same medicine? And, these prices can change often. Also, similar to the gas stations, the larger, well-known pharmacy chains don't necessarily have the most competitive prices. Just like gas stations, pharmacies can set their own prices for medicines.

Do prescriptions cost more at different pharmacies?

Are All Pharmacies the Same? Every pharmacy, whether it's local, a chain, or a mail-order or online operation, has its own markup on drugs. Prices differ, based on their markup, the brand of the medication, and how much you order. Your insurance plan may require you to use its "preferred" pharmacy.

Where is the cheapest place to get prescriptions filled?

Tips on How to Get Cheaper Prescriptions
  • Online Pharmacies. ...
  • Bulk Buying. ...
  • Prescription Savings Clubs. ...
  • Health Insurance. ...
  • Health Savings Account. ...
  • Benefit Programs. ...
  • Government Programs. ...
  • Nonprofit Organizations. Many nonprofit organizations help people with serious or chronic conditions afford their prescriptions.

Is Walgreens or CVS cheaper for prescriptions?

Prescriptions: CVS is often cheaper than Walgreens.

CVS claims that over 85% of their prescriptions cost under $10 after insurance.

Does it matter which pharmacy you go to?

Some health plans also have preferred in-network pharmacies which the health insurance company usually has agreements with to provide medication at an even more discounted price. Make sure you are getting your prescriptions filled at an in-network or preferred in-network pharmacy to keep your costs lower.

Trump open to importing low-cost prescription drugs

44 related questions found

What is the best pharmacy to use for prescriptions?

Following Good Neighbor Pharmacy, which ranked highest among brick-and-mortar chain drug store pharmacies for a seventh consecutive year, with a score of 793, is Health Mart (770), which ranks second, and Rite Aid Pharmacy, which ranks third (680).

Are local pharmacies cheaper?

Local pharmacies are more likely to have the medications that you need. There are many reasons why you might choose to use a local pharmacy. Local pharmacies are more likely to have the medications that you need in stock, and they often have lower prices than chain pharmacies.

Why does Walgreens charge so much for prescriptions?

Brick-and-mortar pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS need to pay additional charges to insurers and middlemen, which can hike the overall prescription price.

What pharmacy fills the most prescriptions?

U.S. pharmacies ranked by prescription drugs market share 2023. The top U.S. pharmacy in 2023 by market share based on prescription drug revenue was CVS Health Corporation, followed by Walgreens Boots Alliance.

Does Walmart have cheaper prescriptions?

How much will my prescription cost at Walmart? If your medication is on the list, 30-day supplies start at just $4 and 90-day doses start at $10. Prices for some drugs may vary and might be higher in some states, including California and Minnesota.

How can I get my prescription if I can't afford it?

Reach out to your state Medicaid office for information about prescription payment help and drug discount programs that are available where you live.
  1. Medicare. If you're 65 or older, you can sign up for Medicare drug coverage (Part D) as a first step. ...
  2. Extra Help program. ...
  3. State pharmaceutical assistance programs.

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 do I get the best price at a pharmacy?

6 Ways to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs
  1. Use Generic Instead of Brand Name Medications. ...
  2. Ask About Medication Options. ...
  3. Compare Different Pharmacies. ...
  4. Take Advantage of Coupon Savings. ...
  5. Learn About Patient Assistance Programs. ...
  6. Don't Skip Important Medications.

Is it OK to use different pharmacies?

Here are some of the potential negative effects of using multiple pharmacies: Duplication of Medications: Using multiple pharmacies can lead to a duplication of medications, as patients may not remember all the medications they are taking or may not communicate effectively with each pharmacy.

Do pharmacies have to honor GoodRx prices?

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.

How to find out how much a prescription will cost without insurance?

RxSaver is designed to be used without insurance, or in place of your insurance. By typing your medication into the search bar on the RxSaver website, or mobile app, you'll see how much your medication will cost. If the coupon price beats your insurance copay, simply use the coupon instead of your insurance.

Why is my prescription cheaper at another pharmacy?

Because prices are negotiated, some pharmacies pay different prices for the same drug. This is part of why medications may cost different between Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS, for example.

What is the best drugstore chain?

Good Neighbor Pharmacy ranks highest among brick-and-mortar chain drug store pharmacies for an eighth consecutive year, with a score of 775. Good Neighbor received top scores in all study dimensions, including "level of trust with pharmacy." Health Mart (729) ranks second and Rite Aid Pharmacy ranks third (650).

Is CVS or Walgreens better?

What's Better: CVS or Walgreens? When comparing CVS vs. Walgreens, customer reviews indicate that Walgreens is the better pharmacy. However, other factors, such as cost and rewards programs, give CVS a competitive edge, putting it slightly ahead of Walgreens in these areas.

Are certain pharmacies more expensive?

Chain versus Independent Pharmacies

At each income level, chain pharmacies are less expensive and less variable in price than independent pharmacies. The wide variation in drug price seen at the lowest income levels in independent pharmacies was present for each of the drugs, with less variation in wealthier areas.

What is the controversy with Walgreens pharmacy?

The government's complaint alleges that, from approximately August 2012 through the present, Walgreens knowingly filled millions of prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, were not valid, and/or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice.

Is Walmart or CVS pharmacy cheaper?

We consistently find that drugs – particularly generic drugs – are far more expensive at CVS and Walgreens than at other pharmacies. The costs at Walmart, Costco, Winn-Dixie and Publix are consistently far lower, as are the costs of most independent pharmacies.

When should I switch pharmacies?

There are a lot of reasons that you may need to switch to a new pharmacy, like a move, convenience or a change to your health insurance. Take some time to search your health plan's network of pharmacies and shop around to find the lowest price for your prescriptions at a pharmacy near you.

Are family-owned pharmacies more expensive?

Many local pharmacies have a lower profit margin which can allow lower prices. These pharmacies have their own skin in the game. They want to keep your business in house as you are directly supporting them and the local economy.

What pharmacy is cheaper CVS or Walgreens?

“These are all big pharmacies, but some are better at negotiating with the brands,” says Trae Bodge, a shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, as to why CVS is cheaper. “CVS is my pharmacy of choice. The prices are better and it has one of the better loyalty programs.”