6 smart ways to slash your prescription costs that pharmacists rarely mention

Good news for millions of Americans over 60 struggling with prescription drug costs. After years of watching medication expenses spiral out of control, 2025 brings the most significant relief in decades—and savvy seniors are already discovering powerful new ways to slash their pharmacy bills.

The landscape has shifted dramatically. Between groundbreaking Medicare changes and innovative discount services that have matured into serious cost-cutting tools, there's never been a better time to take control of your prescription expenses. Let's explore the strategies that could save you thousands this year.

1. Mark Cuban's pharmacy revolution delivers real results

When billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban launched Cost Plus Drugs in 2022, many dismissed it as another celebrity business venture. Three years later, the results speak for themselves—and the savings are nothing short of remarkable.

Cost Plus Drugs operates on a transparent pricing model: the cost of ingredients plus a 15% margin, a $3 pharmacy fee, and $5 shipping. No hidden markups, no negotiating with insurance companies, no surprise price increases.

The savings can be staggering. For example, a generic version of Zytiga (used for prostate cancer) that might cost over $1,000 elsewhere is just $20 here.

Cost Plus Drugs has expanded from offering 100 medications in January 2022 to over 2,200 medications by the end of 2023. The platform covers everything from common chronic conditions to specialty medications for complex diseases.

Research shows Medicare could save over $1 billion by using the Cost Plus Drugs pricing model for certain medications. While the service currently has limited insurance partnerships, the cash prices are often so low that paying out-of-pocket can still result in significant savings.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s worth a visit: costplusdrugs.com

Also read: Why reviewing your Medicare plan every year could save you money and stress

2. Traditional discount services step up their game

GoodRx remains a powerful tool for prescription savings, but it's evolved beyond simple price comparisons. The platform now offers Gold membership with enhanced benefits including telehealth discounts and free home delivery for certain medications. The basic service remains free and doesn't require insurance.

BuzzRx takes a more focused approach, specializing in aggressive price cuts without the additional services. For seniors who simply want the lowest possible price and don't need extra features, BuzzRx often delivers better discounts than its competitors.

Both services work by negotiating directly with pharmacies and passing the savings to consumers. They're particularly valuable for medications not covered by your insurance or when your copay exceeds their discount price.

3. Manufacturer programs most seniors don't know about

Pharmaceutical companies offer copay assistance cards that can dramatically reduce medication costs, but research shows many eligible seniors aren't using them. These programs are typically available to people with private insurance and can sometimes cover the entire cost of expensive medications.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) go even further, offering free or deeply discounted medications to those who qualify based on income. Every major pharmaceutical company operates these programs, but they're often underutilized because patients don't know they exist.

The key is asking. Contact the manufacturer of any expensive medication you're prescribed—most have dedicated phone lines and applications for assistance programs.

4. Medicare's hidden help programs

Medicare's Extra Help program provides assistance with Part D premiums, deductibles, and other costs for people with limited income. This program is automatic for some but requires an application for others. Even if you don't qualify now, your situation can change—reapply anytime your income or resources change.

Some Medicare enrollees will pay less for 64 drugs in the first quarter of 2025 because drug companies raised prices faster than inflation. The Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program automatically reduces your costs for medications where manufacturers increased prices above the inflation rate.

Also read: This pharmacy tip slashed this woman's prescription bill to $45—find out how!

5. Smart shopping strategies that work

Traditional retailers are competing aggressively for pharmacy business. Costco's pharmacy offers significant discounts on generic medications, and you don't need a membership to use it. Walmart's $4 generic program, while more limited than before, still covers common medications at rock-bottom prices.

Mail-order pharmacies often provide better pricing than retail locations, particularly for maintenance medications you take regularly. Many insurance plans offer additional discounts for 90-day supplies through mail order.

Amazon Prime Rx has entered the market with competitive pricing for Prime members. The convenience of home delivery combined with Amazon's buying power makes this an increasingly attractive option for seniors comfortable with online ordering.

6. Your healthcare team as cost-cutting allies

Your doctor and pharmacist are your best resources for finding savings. They often have access to free samples, knowledge of generic alternatives, and information about assistance programs you might not discover on your own.

Don't hesitate to have frank conversations about cost. Medical professionals understand the financial strain of prescription medications and want to help you stay on your treatment plan. They may suggest equally effective alternatives that cost significantly less.

Consider asking about therapeutic substitutions—different medications that treat the same condition but may have different pricing structures or assistance programs available.

Also read: Costco shopper shares “secret code” for cheaper meds—members say they’re stunned

Taking action: Your next steps

The prescription drug landscape has never offered more opportunities for savings, but these benefits don't activate automatically. Here's how to start reducing your costs immediately:

A word of caution about the future

While 2025 brings unprecedented opportunities for prescription drug savings, political winds could shift these benefits. Policy experts warn that future changes to Medicare drug benefits remain uncertain, making it crucial to take advantage of current programs while they're available.

The smart approach is to maximize your savings now while staying informed about potential changes. Set up accounts with discount services, apply for assistance programs you qualify for, and work with your healthcare team to optimize your medication regimen.

Read next:

• Major cholesterol drug gets huge price cut, saving Americans hundreds each month
• Medicare 2026 update: What to know about premiums, benefits, and plan choices
• Are you spending too much on Medicare? Here’s how to cut costs in retirement

Key Takeaways

• Services like Cost Plus Drugs and GoodRx can help Aussies find cheaper prescription medications, often without the need for private health insurance.

• Manufacturer copay cards and Patient Assistance Programs can provide extra savings, with some programs even offering free medications for eligible people.

• Shopping around at discount pharmacies such as Costco and Walmart, using mail-order options, and comparing prices online with tools like BuzzRx and Amazon Prime Rx can slash costs on prescriptions.

• Always talk with your healthcare provider or local pharmacist about more affordable options, as they may know of discounts, samples, or generic alternatives to suit your needs.

What strategies have you tried for reducing prescription costs? Have you taken advantage of Medicare's new $2,000 cap or explored services like Cost Plus Drugs? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below—your insights could help fellow readers discover even more ways to save.