Can I use GoodRx instead of my Medicare Part D plan?

Asked by: Mrs. Dawn Spencer  |  Last update: December 5, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

While you can't use GoodRx in conjunction with any federal or state-funded programs like Medicare or Medicaid, you can use GoodRx as an alternative to your insurance, especially in situations when our prices are better than what Medicare may charge. Here's how it works.

Can GoodRx replace Medicare Part D?

While GoodRX is not a replacement for your Medicare prescription drug plan, it may help you save money on some of your medications, especially those that aren't covered by Medicare. Occasionally we have even found that coupons from GoodRX that offer lower prices than the copay's in a Part D Drug plan!

Can I use GoodRx with Part D?

Your Medicare Part D or health insurance plan will often offer you the cheapest and most convenient access to medication. Sometimes, they won't, and then you can print the coupon from GoodRx or send the offer to the mobile app. Take this offer to the pharmacy to enjoy savings on prescription prices.

Can you have Medicare Part D and other prescription plan?

You can have more than one insurance help you pay for prescription drugs. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans coordinate benefits with other prescription drug coverage. This means that for covered prescription drugs the primary insurance typically pays first.

Do I need Medicare Part D if I have an Advantage plan?

Most Medicare Advantage Plans include Medicare drug coverage (Part D). In certain types of plans that don't include Medicare drug coverage (like Medical Savings Account Plans and some Private Fee-for-Service Plans), you can join a separate Medicare drug plan.

GoodRx vs Medicare Part D: Can the prescription discount program replace your Part D plan?

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What happens if you don't take Part D Medicare?

Medicare calculates the penalty by multiplying 1% of the "national base beneficiary premium" ($32.74 in 2023) times the number of full, uncovered months you didn't have Part D or creditable coverage. The monthly premium is rounded to the nearest $.10 and added to your monthly Part D premium.

Can you go back to Medicare from an Advantage plan?

If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B.

Is prescription Part D mandatory?

Medicare Part D is voluntary. In some circumstances you may not need it if you are receiving “creditable” prescription drug coverage elsewhere such as an employer or union, retiree benefits, COBRA or the Veterans Affairs health program — all of which must by law tell you whether it is creditable.

Can you just have Medicare Part D?

You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B to enroll in Part D. Medicare drug coverage is only available through private plans. If you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B and you do not have other drug coverage (creditable coverage), you should enroll in a Part D plan.

What is the out of pocket maximum for Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D plans don't have hard out-of-pocket maximums. However, in all Part D plans, you enter what's called the catastrophic coverage phase after you hit $7,400 in out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs.

Why do pharmacies not accept GoodRx?

The most oft-cited reason is that GoodRx further reduces the profits independent pharmacies make through the fees they charge the pharmacy in processing claims. Still, some pharmacies will take GoodRx coupons even though they will lose money, banking on the potential for repeat business from a new customer.

Can I always use GoodRx?

You can always use GoodRx instead of your insurance. Here's a good tip to remember from GoodRx's FAQ page: “If you choose to use a GoodRx coupon or your GoodRx Gold membership, it's important to ask the pharmacist not to run your prescription through your insurance or Medicare (Beware: This tends to happen often).

Can a pharmacy reject GoodRx?

Pharmacies listed on GoodRx are contractually obligated to honor most coupons we display. However, discounts for controlled substances are honored at the discretion of the individual pharmacy or pharmacist.

What is the deductible for Medicare Part D in 2023?

This is the amount you must pay each year for your prescriptions before your Medicare drug plan pays its share. Deductibles vary between Medicare drug plans. No Medicare drug plan may have a deductible more than $505 in 2023.

Does Medicare Part D cover over the counter?

However, if you're enrolled in a Medicare drug plan (Part D), the plan may cover these drugs. Generally, your Medicare drug plan only covers prescription drugs and won't pay for over-the-counter drugs, like aspirin or laxatives.

What is Medicare Part D drug discount program?

The Medicare Coverage Gap Discount Program (Discount Program) makes manufacturer discounts available to eligible Medicare beneficiaries receiving applicable, covered Part D drugs, while in the coverage gap.

Does Part D penalty go away when you turn 65?

If you do not have creditable medical or drug coverage after reaching eligibility, you will need to pay the Medicare Part B and Part D penalties, respectively. So, do not delay your enrollment. However, when you turn 65, any penalty you incur will be voided, so you will have a clean slate.

What is the Part D coverage gap in 2023?

Once you and your plan have spent $4,660 on covered drugs in 2023, you're in the coverage gap. This amount may change each year. Also, people with Medicare who get Extra Help paying Part D costs won't enter the coverage gap.

How long can you go without Part D?

A person may owe a late enrollment penalty if, after their Initial Enrollment Period, they go without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage for any period of 63 days or more in a row.

Is Part D Medicare optional?

Enrollment in Medicare Part D plans is voluntary, except for beneficiaries who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and certain other low-income beneficiaries who are automatically enrolled in a PDP if they do not choose a plan on their own.

Do I have to use Part D?

Enrollment in Part D is generally voluntary, however, some people are required to enrolled, and others should not enroll. People who have Medicare and who receive assistance under certain federal programs (Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, SSI or the Part D Low Income Subsidy) are required to enroll.

Can you go back to original Medicare after Medicare Advantage?

If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to switch to traditional Medicare, you should contact your current plan to cancel your enrollment and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Note there are specific enrollment periods each year to do this.

Do you have to re enroll in Medicare every year?

Unless you take action to change it during the Annual Enrollment Period, your current Medicare coverage will renew for the following year. Automatic renewal helps ensure that you will have continuing coverage.

Does Medicare pay anything if you have an Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers except hospice care. Original Medicare covers hospice care even if you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan. In all types of Medicare Advantage Plans, you're always covered for emergency and urgent care.