As pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are well aware, the world of prescription drug pricing is complex and opaque. Prescription drug discounts are no different — but they don’t have to be. As GoodRx works to help Americans afford their necessary healthcare, we aim to be transparent and open — with both patients and providers — about how we do that.
We often receive questions from pharmacy professionals about what goes on behind the scenes at GoodRx. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from pharmacists and technicians.
Does GoodRx make money from DIR fees?
No, GoodRx does not make any money from direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees that are charged to pharmacies. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) determine these DIR fees, and GoodRx does not receive any revenue from them.
Do transactions using GoodRx cost the pharmacy more than insurance?
Whether it is through insurance or GoodRx, there are processing costs associated with running a claim. We understand that pharmacies may not have to pay such processing costs when patients pay the full cash price — but it’s worth considering that when patients cannot afford that price, those prescriptions go unfilled.
Does GoodRx set medication prices?
GoodRx does not negotiate or set any medication prices. For GoodRx coupons, prices are negotiated between pharmacies or pharmacy purchasing groups and PBMs. GoodRx partners with PBMs to display the contracted price at each pharmacy.
Additionally, GoodRx also lists prices from a variety of sources, including pharmacy-specific savings programs (e.g., $4 generic medications) and manufacturer copay cards. In these cases, the prices are set by the pharmacies or manufacturers themselves.
Does GoodRx sell patient data?
GoodRx does not and has never sold patient information. Patient privacy is important to us, and we are committed to safeguarding patient information.
We let users in all states opt out or delete their data, as defined by the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). See our full privacy policy here.
Can patients with insurance save with GoodRx?
Yes, patients can save more if they use GoodRx instead of their insurance for certain medications. Please note that GoodRx cannot be used together with insurance to lower the medication copay.
GoodRx prices are better than insurance prices for 40% of the 100 most-prescribed drugs, according to a front-page story in The New York Times. For patients who have insurance but can’t afford their copay or coinsurance, GoodRx offers an affordable solution.
Can patients with Medicare and/or Medicaid use GoodRx?
Yes, patients with Medicare, Medicaid, and/or other federal- or state-funded insurance can use GoodRx instead of these programs. However, GoodRx cannot be used together with federal- or state-funded programs to lower the medication copay or coinsurance. For patients with Medicare, the amount they pay using GoodRx will not count toward their deductible, so it’s important they consider their medication expenses for the year.
Are pharmacies required to accept GoodRx coupons?
Participating pharmacies are required to accept GoodRx through contracts with their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). An exception is for controlled medications. Accepting a GoodRx coupon for a controlled medication is always at the discretion of the pharmacist.
Pharmacies or pharmacy purchasing groups work with PBMs to negotiate reimbursem*nt rates. GoodRx partners with these PBMs to display the contracted prices to help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about the cost of their care. In some instances, GoodRx also works with pharmacies directly.
Pharmacies listed on our website belong to the PBM networks that we partner with and are contractually obligated to accept GoodRx.
What is GoodRx’s policy on discounts for controlled substances?
We trust the pharmacist’s clinical judgment in choosing whether or not to accept GoodRx for controlled medications. Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring that patients are receiving safe and appropriate care, and we understand that extra precautions need to be taken when dispensing controlled medications.
Is GoodRx the same as manufacturer copay cards?
No, GoodRx coupons are not provided by manufacturers. However, we do list manufacturer copay cards on our website as an additional resource for patients. GoodRx coupons represent prices provided by PBMs. Unlike manufacturer copay cards, GoodRx coupons have no eligibility requirements, no activation step, and no restrictions on how many times the coupon can be used.
How can pharmacies benefit from using GoodRx?
At GoodRx, our mission is to help Americans find affordable and convenient healthcare. We rely on our partnerships with pharmacies to make that happen.
In addition to helping patients lower their medication costs, GoodRx enables patients and pharmacies to compare prices and find cost-saving solutions. This helps bring patients to your pharmacy to fill prescriptions they may have otherwise taken elsewhere or left at the pharmacy counter due to costs. Once patients are in the pharmacy, they are also more likely to purchase non-prescription items at the store.
The bottom line? GoodRx can help drive business by bringing more patients to your pharmacy.
Keep the questions coming
The trust of pharmacy professionals is very important to us. Our team is always available to answer additional questions or help you work through a complicated transaction. If you are calling from the pharmacy, please dial 1-844-233-8244. We will help you resolve your issue as quickly as possible. Our average wait time for calls is about 1 minute. If you run into an issue processing a GoodRx coupon, check our troubleshooting guide for answers.
Download PDF
Save and printthese Frequently Asked Questions. If you need assistance processing a discount at the pharmacy counter, check out our troubleshooting guidehere.
