Tips & savings

Unbiased, practical tips to help you pay less for prescriptions. We don’t sell drugs or insurance; we help you compare.

• Costco pharmacy: you don’t need a membership

  In most states, anyone can use Costco’s pharmacy without a membership. State law often requires pharmacies to serve the public for prescription drugs. Call your local Costco to confirm and get cash prices. Compare those with GoodRx or other coupons—sometimes Costco is already among the lowest.

• 90-day fills are often cheaper

  Many pharmacies and mail-order services charge less per pill for 90-day supplies. If your doctor is okay with a 90-day prescription, ask for it. You’ll often save and make fewer trips. Check whether your insurance mail order or a cash option (e.g. CostPlus, Amazon Pharmacy) is better for 90-day.

• Walmart $4 and $9 lists

  Walmart offers a list of generic drugs at $4 for a 30-day supply and $9 for 90 days. Not every drug is on the list, but hundreds are. Ask your pharmacist or search “Walmart $4 list” to see if your medication is included. You can still use GoodRx at Walmart for drugs not on the list.

• Cash vs insurance: compare both

  Your insurance copay isn’t always the best price. For some drugs, paying cash with a coupon (GoodRx, manufacturer, or a pharmacy’s own price) can be lower than your copay. Use PinchRx to compare: enter your drug and location, then check “See current price” at each source. If you know your copay, compare it to the lowest cash price you find.

• Ask your doctor about generics

  If you’re on a brand-name drug, ask if a generic is available. Generics are usually much cheaper and are required to meet the same FDA standards. PinchRx shows when a generic exists for your search so you can compare brand vs generic prices.

• Online pharmacies: when they make sense

  Mail-order and online pharmacies (e.g. CostPlus Drugs, Amazon Pharmacy) can be cheaper for many generics, especially 90-day supplies. Trade-off: delivery takes a few days to a week. Use them for maintenance meds you don’t need same-day. Always use licensed pharmacies; check for .pharmacy or state board verification.