How does GoodRx work?

Asked by: Dr. Dennis Lebsack I  |  Last update: December 18, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (22 votes)

What is GoodRx? On GoodRx's website and app, you can enter your location and prescriptions to look up and compare prices at participating pharmacies near you. To get those prices at the pharmacy, you print and bring a free GoodRx coupon or show it on your phone when picking up your prescription.

What's the catch in using GoodRx?

Keep in mind that you cannot use GoodRx and insurance at the same time. However, you can use GoodRx instead of insurance or government-funded programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, to pay for your prescription medications. GoodRx is not insurance.

Why do pharmacies not like GoodRx?

Because this is known scam for drug abusers to get controlled substances at a lower price and sell them later on. More importantly goodrx in general is a scam. They take an estimated cost and simply mark it down. They pocket a part of switch fees that pharmacy pays. So overall on many drugs the pharmacy takes a hit.

How exactly does GoodRx work?

You can use GoodRx by visiting the website or downloading the GoodRx mobile app. Then, enter the prescription drug's name to find the best deal nearby. Once you find the best deal, you can select it and get a coupon for your discount. Finally, you'll present the coupon at the pharmacy to receive the price reduction.

What is the disadvantage of GoodRx?

Limited Coverage: Many Rx products are covered through GoodRx platform, however not all medication are covered through their discount card. Many specialty medications, niche drugs or branded products may have limited or no coverage which may lead patients to explore other options for savings.

How GoodRx Works

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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 ...

What is the GoodRx controversy?

The telehealth and prescription drug discount provider, GoodRx, recently agreed to pay $25 million to settle class action claims originating from the company's unauthorized disclosure of consumers' personal health information, according to recent filings with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of ...

Is there any catch to GoodRx?

“Keep in mind you cannot use GoodRx and insurance at the same time,” the company's website says. Using a GoodRx coupon means you're doing a “cash” payment for your medications. (In this context, paying “cash” means you're paying out of pocket — without insurance.)

Who pays when you use GoodRx?

When you use GoodRx to pay for a prescription, you are choosing to pay without insurance. But you can ask your insurer to reimburse you or to apply your purchase against your deductible. Here's how to apply a payment made with a GoodRx coupon to your insurance deductible.

Can Walgreens refuse GoodRx?

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.

Is Walmart no longer accepting GoodRx?

GoodRx discounts are still accepted at Walmart and Sam's Club. If you have issues using a GoodRx discount at a Walmart or Sam's Club, please have the pharmacist call 1-866-921-7286.

Who is cheaper than GoodRx?

Bottom Line. SingleCare and GoodRx make prescription drug prices more affordable for consumers. Both companies have identical aims, but SingleCare generally offers lower pricing and free delivery.

Do pharmacists actually accept GoodRx?

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.

Why are pharmacies dropping GoodRx?

Three independent pharmacies have filed separate lawsuits accusing GoodRx, which markets a prescription drug discount card, of conspiring with several pharmacy benefit managers to fix reimbursement fees, the latest skirmish over the opaque pharmaceutical supply chain in the U.S.

How many times a month can you use GoodRx?

GoodRx coupons themselves do not expire; you are able to re-use the coupons as many times as you would like.

Does Costco accept GoodRx?

GoodRx is accepted at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide — including major chains like CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, VONS, and Albertsons!

Can I use GoodRx if I'm in the donut hole?

Key takeaways:

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.

Can I use GoodRx even if I have insurance?

You can use a GoodRx discount instead of your prescription insurance or Medicare if the cost is lower. However, GoodRx cannot be combined with your insurance or any federal or state-funded program such as Medicare or Medicaid.

How much of a discount do you get with GoodRx?

Use this card for discounts of up to 80% on most prescription drugs at over 70,000 U.S. pharmacies. Get discounts for every member of your family, including pets! No expiration. No fees or obligations.

Why not to use GoodRx?

But earlier this year, GoodRx was penalized by the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, for disclosing patients' personal health information without their consent. And using GoodRx's discounts isn't always easy or predictable.

Does GoodRx have a catch?

GoodRx's prescription savings program offers significant discounts on prescription drugs, but not without some catches. Using GoodRx means paying out of pocket, without insurance. The cost doesn't count toward your deductible.

Who stopped accepting GoodRx?

But throughout much of 2022, GoodRx was embroiled in a dispute with Kroger. The dispute became public in the spring of that year when Kroger suddenly stopped accepting GoodRx discounts.

What is the lawsuit against GoodRx?

Shortly after the FTC settlement was announced, a class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California against GoodRx that made similar allegations to the FTC – that personal information was disclosed to third parties without users' knowledge or consent, when they had been ...

Does Walmart accept GoodRx?

GoodRx is accepted at virtually every one of the 70,000+ retail pharmacies in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — including major chains like CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, Costco, Walmart and many more!

Why are drugs cheaper with GoodRx?

By using GoodRx in place of your insurance, you're paying for the cash price of a medication, rather than the insurance price. While a medication may be cheaper this way, the fact of the matter is you're still not using your insurance—which you already pay for.