How Does GoodRx Work With Medicare?
If you’re on Medicare and you’ve seen GoodRx ads, you might wonder: should I use a discount card at the pharmacy, or my Medicare Part D benefit? Here’s the plain-English answer: GoodRx can lower a cash price, but it does not work together with Medicare. You’re either using your Part D coverage or you’re paying cash with a coupon—never both at the same time.
Before you decide at the counter, make sure you understand what your drug benefit is supposed to cover. Start here: What Does Medicare Part D Cover?
What GoodRx Actually Is
- Not insurance: GoodRx and similar programs are discount cards or apps that lower retail prices.
- How it lowers prices: They cut deals with Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and pass part of those discounts to you.
- How they get paid: Each time a coupon is used, they typically receive a fee from the PBM.
Think of it like a grocery coupon: you can save at checkout, but there’s no insurance claim being filed.
Why GoodRx Doesn’t “Coordinate” With Medicare
- When you hand over a GoodRx coupon instead of your Part D card, your plan never sees the claim.
- That means no progress toward your deductible, coinsurance, or the four phases of Part D.
- Your plan also can’t track potential drug interactions or your annual spending.
Bottom line: you might save a little in the moment, but you’re flying blind with your Medicare coverage later in the year. To avoid common pitfalls, review Medicare mistakes to avoid.
When a Discount Card Might Make Sense
- The drug isn’t on your plan’s formulary at all and you just need to pay cash.
- The GoodRx cash price is dramatically lower than your plan’s copay.
If you go the coupon route, remember: you’re paying cash, and it won’t count toward your Part D costs or phases. If you’re comparing options for next year, check out upcoming Medicare changes and how they could affect premiums, formularies, and networks.
What To Do Before You Fill
- Check your plan’s formulary and tier for the exact drug and dosage.
- Ask your prescriber about lower-cost alternatives on your plan’s list.
- Use your plan tools—mail order, preferred pharmacies, and prior authorizations—before paying cash.
If you’re choosing or changing plans, your providers matter. Use our Medicare provider search guide to confirm doctors and pharmacies before you enroll.
The Bottom Line
GoodRx can lower a cash price, but it doesn’t “work with” Medicare. If you’re on Medicare, using a discount card means no claim, no tracking, and no credit toward your Part D costs. Start with your Medicare benefit, confirm coverage, and only use a coupon when it truly beats your plan’s price and you understand the trade-offs.
Can you use GoodRx with Medicare Part D?
No. GoodRx doesn’t coordinate with Medicare Part D. If you use a GoodRx coupon, your prescription won’t count toward your deductible, coinsurance, or the four Part D phases. For a breakdown of how coverage is supposed to work, see what Medicare Part D covers.
When does it make sense to use GoodRx if you’re on Medicare?
Only if your drug isn’t covered at all by your plan or the GoodRx cash price is dramatically lower than your plan’s copay. Otherwise, you’ll lose tracking and credit toward your Medicare coverage. If you’re comparing your options, keep an eye on upcoming Medicare changes.
Do GoodRx prescriptions count toward my Medicare deductible?
Is GoodRx considered insurance?
What should I check before using a discount card like GoodRx?
Schedule Your FREE Medicare Consultation
Whether you’re new to Medicare, turning 65, retiring, or looking to change plans, the licensed agents at Brickhouse Agency offer free, no-obligation consultations to walk you through your options.
Required Medicare Disclaimer: No obligation to enroll. Brickhouse Agency does not offer every plan available in your area. For information on all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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