Costco shopper shares “secret code” for cheaper meds—members say they’re stunned
- Replies 0
Prescription medications seem to be growing more costly by the month, and figuring out why can feel like navigating a maze with no clear map.
Many people have shared their frustration over wildly inconsistent prices for the exact same prescriptions, sometimes at the same pharmacy.
Behind the scenes, though, a few well-informed voices suggest there’s an unexpectedly easy way to access major savings—and it involves a retailer you might not expect.
Even more surprising is that this potential workaround doesn’t require any special status or membership to take advantage of it.
Costco’s pharmacy is legally required to serve everyone, regardless of membership status. That means you can walk into a store, tell the greeter you’re there for the pharmacy, and head straight to the counter—no questions asked.
This little-known policy applies in most states, due to consumer protection laws mandating public access to pharmacies. It also extends to Costco’s online prescription services, which are open to non-members as well.
But what’s really catching attention is a savings tactic that Costco pharmacists have been quietly sharing with savvy customers.
It’s not a promo code or a password—it’s about knowing which discounts and tools to ask for. Several shoppers recently reported saving 80–90% on prescriptions simply by asking the pharmacist if a manufacturer coupon was available.
“They have insurance, told me to get the manufacturer's coupon, blew my mind when I came back with the coupon and saw a 90% savings,” one customer posted online.
Costco also accepts widely available discount programs like GoodRx, which compares prices across pharmacies and offers digital coupons you can show at the counter.
One customer said they paid just $20 for an EpiPen that would have cost $200 elsewhere—even with insurance.
Another shopper cut their pet’s prescription costs from $125 to $45 using a similar discount. Other options like WellRx often yield comparable savings and are equally accepted at Costco locations.
Also read: Are you a Costco member? This hidden perk could save you $88 on tires
Members have an added option: the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP), which provides exclusive access to pre-negotiated discounts.
Costco says members typically save 20% to 30%, but savings can spike to 80% depending on the drug.
Enrollment is free with a Costco membership, and no hunting for manufacturer coupons is needed. The pharmacist applies the discount automatically at checkout once your CMPP card is linked.
While Costco doesn’t accept manufacturer coupons directly, they do recommend asking your doctor or checking online before filling a prescription.
Drug manufacturers frequently offer digital coupons or patient savings programs for costly name-brand meds.
And even though Costco already negotiates lower rates, combining a savings program with one of these tools can lead to significant reductions. The key is knowing what to ask and being persistent.
If you’re a member, ask your pharmacist about activating CMPP for consistent savings on future refills.
Pet owners should also know they can use these discounts for animal prescriptions. Simply ask your vet for a written script and take it to Costco like any other pharmacy.
Also read: Costco shopper left embarrassed after self-checkout rejects common payment method
Customers have reported massive savings on pet meds that often go uncovered by insurance. And since many discount programs don’t differentiate between human and animal prescriptions, it’s a loophole worth knowing.
Real stories from Costco customers show how dramatic these savings can be. One shopper shared, “My pet’s medication dropped from $125 to $45 with a GoodRx code.”
Another said, “Epi pen went from $200 at other pharmacy with insurance to $20 at Costco as a member.” A third reported a 90% discount just by asking about manufacturer programs. These aren’t one-off deals—they’re repeatable strategies anyone can use.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on new Costco store openings, which could bring pharmacy access to more neighborhoods.
And while Costco has made headlines for food court changes, the pharmacy remains one of the few parts of the store open to all. As prices continue rising elsewhere, this quiet little section of the warehouse might be your best bet for cutting health costs. Even without a membership, you can still walk away with major savings.
Read next: Costco in Japan is a whole new experience—here’s why travelers are obsessed
Have you used Costco or a discount program to lower your medication costs? Did you discover any savings tips that others should know about? Drop your experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear what worked for you and how others can benefit too.
Many people have shared their frustration over wildly inconsistent prices for the exact same prescriptions, sometimes at the same pharmacy.
Behind the scenes, though, a few well-informed voices suggest there’s an unexpectedly easy way to access major savings—and it involves a retailer you might not expect.
Even more surprising is that this potential workaround doesn’t require any special status or membership to take advantage of it.
Costco’s pharmacy is legally required to serve everyone, regardless of membership status. That means you can walk into a store, tell the greeter you’re there for the pharmacy, and head straight to the counter—no questions asked.
This little-known policy applies in most states, due to consumer protection laws mandating public access to pharmacies. It also extends to Costco’s online prescription services, which are open to non-members as well.
But what’s really catching attention is a savings tactic that Costco pharmacists have been quietly sharing with savvy customers.
It’s not a promo code or a password—it’s about knowing which discounts and tools to ask for. Several shoppers recently reported saving 80–90% on prescriptions simply by asking the pharmacist if a manufacturer coupon was available.
Costco shopper shares “secret code” for cheaper meds—members say they’re stunned. Image source: appshunter.io / Unsplash
“They have insurance, told me to get the manufacturer's coupon, blew my mind when I came back with the coupon and saw a 90% savings,” one customer posted online.
Costco also accepts widely available discount programs like GoodRx, which compares prices across pharmacies and offers digital coupons you can show at the counter.
One customer said they paid just $20 for an EpiPen that would have cost $200 elsewhere—even with insurance.
Another shopper cut their pet’s prescription costs from $125 to $45 using a similar discount. Other options like WellRx often yield comparable savings and are equally accepted at Costco locations.
Also read: Are you a Costco member? This hidden perk could save you $88 on tires
Members have an added option: the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP), which provides exclusive access to pre-negotiated discounts.
Costco says members typically save 20% to 30%, but savings can spike to 80% depending on the drug.
Enrollment is free with a Costco membership, and no hunting for manufacturer coupons is needed. The pharmacist applies the discount automatically at checkout once your CMPP card is linked.
While Costco doesn’t accept manufacturer coupons directly, they do recommend asking your doctor or checking online before filling a prescription.
Drug manufacturers frequently offer digital coupons or patient savings programs for costly name-brand meds.
And even though Costco already negotiates lower rates, combining a savings program with one of these tools can lead to significant reductions. The key is knowing what to ask and being persistent.
If you’re a member, ask your pharmacist about activating CMPP for consistent savings on future refills.
Pet owners should also know they can use these discounts for animal prescriptions. Simply ask your vet for a written script and take it to Costco like any other pharmacy.
Also read: Costco shopper left embarrassed after self-checkout rejects common payment method
Customers have reported massive savings on pet meds that often go uncovered by insurance. And since many discount programs don’t differentiate between human and animal prescriptions, it’s a loophole worth knowing.
Real stories from Costco customers show how dramatic these savings can be. One shopper shared, “My pet’s medication dropped from $125 to $45 with a GoodRx code.”
Another said, “Epi pen went from $200 at other pharmacy with insurance to $20 at Costco as a member.” A third reported a 90% discount just by asking about manufacturer programs. These aren’t one-off deals—they’re repeatable strategies anyone can use.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on new Costco store openings, which could bring pharmacy access to more neighborhoods.
And while Costco has made headlines for food court changes, the pharmacy remains one of the few parts of the store open to all. As prices continue rising elsewhere, this quiet little section of the warehouse might be your best bet for cutting health costs. Even without a membership, you can still walk away with major savings.
Read next: Costco in Japan is a whole new experience—here’s why travelers are obsessed
