Prescription discount cards are a great way to save money on prescription drugs. They are really helpful for people who don’t have prescription coverage or, if they do, then they want to get an even better deal on their prescriptions.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. People who carry these cards not only save money on drugs; they also feel proud of themselves for standing up to big pharmaceutical companies that have been gouging prices for so long.
There are two types of cards: private and public. Private cards are offered by pharmaceutical companies to their employees or customers. Public cards provide discounts for all patients, but they may not be as comprehensive as the private ones.
Private Cards
The most popular prescription discount card is the one provided by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer to its employees and customers. This card offers discounts on many brand-name and generic medications at about 50,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Public Cards
Just like with private cards, there is no limit to the number of public discounts you can get with these programs because they’re available for everyone at any pharmacy in America.
Why Do People Use Prescription Discount Cards?
Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, prescription drug costs have been on the rise. The average American spends around $1,200 per year on prescription drugs. Generic prescriptions may cost anywhere from $5-$20, depending on the formulation, medication, and dosage – while brand-name drugs can easily run up to hundreds of dollars.
Discount drug cards are one way to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with prescription medication. These cards allow patients to purchase their medications at discounted prices by providing them with discounts at participating pharmacies nationwide.
While these cards are not a cure-all for skyrocketing pharmaceutical prices, they do offer some relief for people who may be experiencing difficulty affording medication due to high out-of-pocket expenses or high copays.