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Are you struggling right now trying to figure out how to pay for the prescriptions you need to live a healthy life? Especially budgeting for important medicines and other costs associated with aging, such as Life Alert costs. You aren’t the only one. The cost of prescription medication is especially burdensome to our nation’s senior citizens.
While you may be used to shopping around for the cheapest gallon of gas or looking for deals on toilet paper, you may not have even considered bargain shopping for medication. The reality is that drug prices vary depending upon the pharmacy.
While we were in hopes of creating a list of businesses that offered a senior discount on prescription drugs, we were disappointed to find that few of those senior only programs exist. What we did learn was that as you shop around to find the lowest prices on your prescriptions, and that you may as well look for a pharmacy that gives you an additional discount or rewards for being a loyal customer.
Here are some of the discounts we found from your favorite retail chains.
AARP
You can always count on the American Association of Retired Peoples to find a discount for you on a variety of purchases. According to the association’s website, being a member of AARP entitles you to discounts on FDA-approved prescriptions that aren’t covered by your insurance. The fantastic part of this discount is that the medicine can also be for your dependents, regardless of their age.
CVS
One would think that hidden somewhere in the mile-long CVS sales receipt, there would be information regarding a senior discount for prescriptions. The good news is that the CVS employees will do a savings review for you to make sure you are receiving the cheapest rate possible. They will also allow you to earn CVS ExtraCare – ExtraBucks Rewards while filling your prescriptions in their pharmacy. Neither of these programs is designed just for seniors.
Walgreens
Like CVS, Walgreens does not offer a senior-only prescription discount, but they do have a Prescription Savings Club. There is a cost associated with belonging to this savings club, but the website says that members are eligible for discounts on over 8,000 different prescriptions.
Target
Target has a similar prescription rewards program to CVS. Check out their ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards. This program is open to all shoppers, not just senior citizens.
WalMart
WalMart has made a name in the prescription pharmacy business by offering $4.00, 30-day prescriptions for commonly used medications. If you continuously take the drug, you may be able to get a 90-day supply for $10.00.
This program is not only meant to benefit senior citizens.
Rite-Aid
Even though Rite-Aid offers a once-a-month discount day for senior citizens, that discount cannot be utilized for prescription drugs. To receive a discount on your medications, you may consider enrolling in the Rx Savings Program, which may allow you to save 15% or more on your prescriptions.
Costco
Costco allows its members access to the Costco Members Perscription Program. This membership will enable you to save on generic and name-brand medications. You can also receive a discount on drugs for your pets.
Good Rx
You may consider visiting the Good Rx website to find out where you can get the cheapest prescriptions. According to the site, all one has to do is submit the name of the drug. The website will search for the most competitive price in your area. The website also allows you to print out coupons to use at your favorite pharmacy.
While we attempted to create a list of businesses that offer a special senior discount on prescriptions, know that plans and discounts periodically change. Some of the discounts may also vary from location to location. Please make sure you ask about the discount ahead of time, so you do not receive any unpleasant surprises when it comes time to pay.
Featured image Credit: Pixabay Image
