How to Pay for Prescriptions Without Insurance

Key Takeaways

If you are struggling to afford your medications, some options that can help are Federal and State programs, pharmacy programs, drug assistance programs, prescription discount cards, and nonprofits.
To save money on medications, request the generic version over the brand name, request a 90-day supply, and compare costs at multiple pharmacies.

Rising prescription drug costs in the United States mean that many people struggle to pay for medications to treat chronic or serious health conditions. This is especially true for people who do not have health insurance coverage, don’t have enough health insurance or prescription drug coverage in their plan, or need to take medications that aren’t covered by their plan. Not getting the recommended treatment puts their health and well-being at serious risk.

If you are experiencing financial concerns in affording your medications, there are resources to help you save money and lower prescription costs. Please keep reading to find out about some benefits programs that can help you save on drug costs.

What if I need a prescription but can't afford it?

General Tips

If you need prescription medications but cannot afford them, these tips might help:

Talk to your healthcare provider about taking generic versions instead of brand names. Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective and safe, but generic medications can be up to 85% cheaper than their brand-name counterparts.
Some big-box pharmacy chains offer low-cost generics. For example, Walmart offers generic versions of many prescription drugs for $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply. Check if your specific medication is included in this program.
Prescription medications are sometimes cheaper when you obtain a 90-day supply from mail-order pharmacies.
Compare medication costs at local pharmacies in your area to find the best prices. You can use the BuzzRx website or app to find the lowest price for your prescribed medication at pharmacies near you.

Federal and State Programs

Medicaid

States offer prescription drug coverage to eligible people with limited income who are enrolled in Medicaid. However, not all drugs are covered by Medicaid, and you may be responsible for a copay. Your State Medicaid Office can give you more information about drug discount programs in your state.

Medicare drug coverage

Qualified people over 65 years of age can sign up for Medicare Part D to obtain prescription drug coverage. This is an optional add-on offered by private insurance companies and costs extra. Read about “Medicare vs. Medicaid: What’s the Difference?”

Extra Help Program

This is a federal program that helps cover the cost of Medicare Part D if you meet eligibility requirements. It includes assistance with paying for premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

State pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs)

Several states have assistance programs to help uninsured or underinsured people pay for prescription drugs, especially people who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Some are for people with specific conditions, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), or a specific demographic, such as young adults.

Pharmacy Programs

Independent Pharmacy Programs

Many pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies offer programs to make prescription drugs more affordable. You may have to pay an annual fee to join the program.

Mail Order Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies may send you 90-day supplies of certain medications for chronic health conditions at a reduced cost due to fewer copays. They also offer the convenience of fewer refills and home delivery.

340B Pharmacies

Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act requires pharmaceutical companies to partner with healthcare organizations that serve uninsured or low-income patients and provide low-cost or free medicines. Certain CVS, Rite Aid, Albertsons, Walmart, and Walgreens pharmacies participate in these savings programs. You can use the “Find a Health Center” tool in the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration website to find a health center with a 340B pharmacy near you.

Nonprofit Pharmacies

Donations and grants fund some pharmacies, allowing them to offer low-cost or free medications to people in need. You can check the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics website to find nonprofit pharmacies near you.

Drug Assistance Programs

Many drug manufacturers have patient assistance programs (PAPs) to help cover the drug costs of some of their name-brand medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist or check the drug manufacturer’s website to see if they have any drug assistance programs for your prescribed medication. Eligibility requirements may include a lack of insurance coverage or proof of income below a certain level. The medication may only be available for a limited period of time at low cost or free.

Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons

Coupons for Prescription Drugs

If you don’t have prescription drug coverage with your health insurance, coupons or copay cards from drug manufacturers or third parties can help you save on drug costs. Your doctor or pharmacist may have coupons, or you can check for online digital coupons.

Even if you have health insurance, ask your pharmacist to check if coupons can lower prescription costs (sometimes you pay less than the copay by using a coupon).

However, remember, in this case, you’ll need to submit the receipts manually to ensure that the purchase counts towards your deductible or annual out-of-pocket maximum on your plan. Note that you cannot use manufacturer coupons from drug companies with Medicare or Medicaid.

County Prescription Discount Cards

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has a Live Healthy Program that offers residents of member counties a free prescription drug discount card to obtain low-cost medicines, with savings of up to 80% on generics and 40% on brand name drugs.

BuzzRx Discount Card

The free BuzzRx discount card offers savings of up to 80% on prescription medications at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide. Everyone is eligible for this preactivated card and there’s no limit on how often you can use it.

Nonprofit Organizations

Some nonprofits, such as the PAN Foundation, Lilly Cares, and Accessia Health offer assistance with prescription costs if you meet eligibility requirements or have specific health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need insurance for Walmart $4 prescriptions?

You do not need insurance for Walmart's $4 prescriptions. There is no membership or fee required to take advantage of this program. It offers 30-day supplies of certain medications for $4.

Which pharmacy is the cheapest without insurance?

You can compare the price of medications without insurance at pharmacies near you on the BuzzRx website or app. Once you find the pharmacy offering the lowest price, you can use your free BuzzRx card to purchase the medication for the best price.