What is the GoodRx controversy?

Asked by: Dr. Arno Hilpert  |  Last update: July 13, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (19 votes)

According to the FTC's complaint, GoodRx violated the FTC Act by sharing sensitive personal health information for years with advertising companies and platforms—contrary to its privacy promises—and failed to report these unauthorized disclosures as required by the Health Breach Notification Rule.

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.

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 ...

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.

Why are drugs cheaper with GoodRx?

Goodrx contracts with ins companies/pbms to access their network rates for medications. For a particular drug at a particular pharmacy goodrx will return the lowest network rate they have for the drug and pay that ins company/pbm a fee but also get part of the sale themselves.

The Truth about GoodRx | Does it actually save you money on prescriptions?

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What is the catch to using GoodRx?

Here's the deal: Paying with a GoodRx coupon is considered an “out-of-network” purchase, and it's up to the insurance company to decide if they'll pay you back — or whether they'll count it toward your deductible.

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.

Why is GoodRx being investigated?

The FTC's complaint details GoodRx's pervasive sharing of user data with third parties, including vendors and social media companies. We learn in the complaint that GoodRx, like many healthcare organizations, used Meta's Pixel software to track its users.

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.

Why can t you use GoodRx with Medicare?

However, GoodRx cannot be combined with your insurance or any federal or state-funded program such as Medicare or Medicaid. GoodRx is not insurance. 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.

Why is GoodRx tanking?

GoodRx, a pharmacy discount app, is facing numerous challenges including shrinking business, trouble with customers and the FTC, and the departure of its founders. The company's pivot to direct relationships with retail pharmacies may not be successful, and its subscription plan is shrinking.

What company is behind GoodRx?

GoodRx Holdings, Inc. In 2017, the website received about fourteen million visitors a month. As of February 25, 2020, "millions of people" had downloaded the GoodRx app.

How do I get rid of GoodRx?

How do I cancel my Gold membership?
  1. Log in to the GoodRx Mobile App and tap the Account tab.
  2. Next, click Manage.
  3. Click Cancel my GoodRx Gold membership.
  4. Confirm that you want to cancel your Gold membership by clicking Continue cancellation.

Did CVS stop taking GoodRx?

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

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.

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.

What's the catch in using 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.)

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.

How many times can I use GoodRx for the same prescription?

GoodRx coupons represent prices provided by PBMs. Unlike manufacturer copay cards, GoodRx coupons have no eligibility requirements, no activation step, and no restrictions on how many times the coupon can be used.

Does Walmart take 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!

What happened with GoodRx?

According to the FTC's complaint, GoodRx violated the FTC Act by sharing sensitive personal health information for years with advertising companies and platforms—contrary to its privacy promises—and failed to report these unauthorized disclosures as required by the Health Breach Notification Rule.

Where does the money for GoodRx come from?

Coupons and Partnerships: GoodRx derives a substantial portion of its revenue from their coupon services. By providing users with coupons that offer discounts on medications, GoodRx encourages consumers to fill their prescriptions at partner pharmacies.

What pharmacies do not accept GoodRx?

GoodRx Gold is accepted at thousands of pharmacies across the country, including CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, VONS, Publix, and Albertsons. See the full list here. GoodRx Gold is currently not accepted at Rite-Aid, Sam's Club, Walgreens, or Walmart.

Who is GoodRx biggest competitor?

  • The top GoodRx competitors are.
  • Blink Health.
  • SingleCare.
  • RxSaver.
  • WellRx.
  • Optum Perks.
  • Express Scripts.
  • MedImpact.

Why are Walmart pharmacies closing?

This is a difficult decision, and like others, the challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs create a lack of profitability that make the care business unsustainable for us at this time.