Paying too much for prescriptions? You've probably seen those discount cards. They're free and available at some doctors offices or through the mail.
But are they worth the time?
We took three cards, GoodRx, Drugs.com and Healthcare Alliance, and put them to the test.
We went to three pharmacies with two consumers.
George is a BBB/Let Joe Know volunteer who uses Eliquis as a blood thinner.
There is no generic version, so the cost can be around $500 for his supply.
We found all three cards took about $63 or 13 percent of the price.
Barbara had better luck. She uses prescription-strength Nexium for acid reflux. It's sold over the counter, but not at the one-pill dosage Barbara wants. And it has a generic version.
In our informal study, the HeatlhcareAlliance card worked best taking $200 or 28 percent off the price.
Still, with or without cards, it was Costco that gave both consumers their lowest price. Now, the cards cannot be used in combination with insurance. And they don't count toward a deductible. The cards also seem to work better when there is a generic version of the drug.
We were concerned since they are free, that the makers might sell personal information.
But, they tell us they do not sell or share your information and make money in other ways.
So, the Let Joe Know bottom line?
Your insurance will likely give you the best price, but it's worth trying the cards first as long as you read the fine print before diving in.
