Prescription Programs for Patients: What You Need to Know (And What Most Practices Forget)
Prescription programs for patients can be game-changers—and most people don’t even know they exist. As healthcare costs skyrocket, patients need help affording their meds. In this guide, I’ll show you how your clinic can use real, reliable programs to reduce costs, boost medication adherence, and improve patient loyalty.
Key Takeaways
- Embedding these tools into workflow builds long-term patient trust and financial sustainability.
- Most patients don’t know prescription savings programs exist—clinics should help bridge that gap.
- Medicare and Medicaid patients often qualify for drug savings if they know where to look.
- Manufacturer programs can offer 6–12 months of free meds with just an income form.
- GoodRx and similar tools show price differences of up to $70 between pharmacies.
- Kroger, Walgreens, and Walmart all offer powerful, low-cost pharmacy membership plans.
- Staff training and a quick-reference cheat sheet can make your practice a patient hero.
- Tracking assistance program use in your EHR helps with continuity and ROI tracking.
Medicare Patients Do Have Options
First, let’s address a common myth:
“Medicare patients can’t use prescription savings programs.”
Wrong.
While it’s true that many commercial drug cards won’t allow Medicare participation, there are federal prescription assistance programs just for Medicare beneficiaries. These programs are based on income and are designed to support patients who need long-term access to brand-name drugs or expensive maintenance medications.
Here’s what to do:
- Google “Medicare prescription assistance program”
- Visit medicare.gov or the manufacturer’s website for a specific drug
- Call the patient’s local pharmacy—they may already be aware of programs for common meds
You’d be surprised how often a patient can qualify for completely free prescriptions—but they just need help with the paperwork or don’t know where to start.
Medicaid Patients? Look at the State Level
For Medicaid patients, the savings landscape is a little different. Because Medicaid is administered by each state, any prescription help or coverage gaps are handled at the state level.
Want to help a Medicaid patient struggling to get a med? Here’s how to start:
- Search “[Your State] Medicaid prescription assistance”
- Contact your state’s Department of Health and Human Services
- Work with a local pharmacy tech who understands what programs might overlap with Medicaid
Even if Medicaid technically covers a drug, there might be barriers like prior authorization, step therapy, or restricted access to brands. These can often be addressed with local or pharmaceutical support programs.
Drug Manufacturer Programs Still Exist—And They Work
Remember the good old days of sample closets in the clinic? While freebie drawers might be a thing of the past, pharmaceutical companies still offer robust prescription programs for patients—they’ve just moved everything online.
Two major types of support are offered:
- Savings Cards – Often available for patients not on Medicare. These reduce out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy and are usually used with commercial insurance.
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) – These are income-based and often provide free medication for 6–12 months, shipped directly to your clinic or the patient’s home.
For example, when Lipitor first launched (and before a generic was available), one patient was able to receive her medication free for years by submitting her income and filling out a form. The program sent the drug directly to the clinic every few months. No hoops, no stress—just consistency.
To find these programs:
- Go to the official website of the medication
- Look for tabs like Patient Assistance, Support, or Savings Programs
- Follow the prompts for eligibility, and print forms or complete them online
Some patients may need help gathering income documents or faxing paperwork. If you can assist or train your front desk to do this, you’ll be a hero to that patient—and likely their entire family.
GoodRx: More Than Just a Discount Card
You’ve probably seen the yellow-and-white GoodRx cards floating around your office—or tossed them in a drawer. But if you’re not actively using them, you’re missing out on a powerful tool.
GoodRx.com is a medication price comparison engine. Patients (or staff) can type in the name of a drug, add their ZIP code, and instantly see cash prices at dozens of local pharmacies. This is huge because:
- One pharmacy might charge $12
- Another might charge $90—for the same medication and dose
Even more surprising? Cash prices can sometimes be lower than insurance copays.
If a patient has a high-deductible plan or insurance doesn’t cover the drug, paying cash through GoodRx may be the cheaper option. They can also download coupons or present the discount card at checkout to save instantly.
GoodRx isn’t the only option—SingleCare, RxSaver, and other comparison tools exist—but it’s one of the most well-known and widely accepted.
Membership-Based Pharmacy Savings Plans: A Hidden Gem
One often overlooked but incredibly effective resource is a pharmacy membership savings plan. These are paid annual programs offered by major pharmacy chains that provide steep discounts on commonly prescribed medications—sometimes beating insurance prices.
Let’s look at one of the best-known examples:
Kroger Prescription Savings Club
Whether you recognize it as Fred Meyer, Smith’s, King Soopers, or another brand under the Kroger umbrella, this program offers:
- Annual membership (about $36 for individuals or $72 for families)
- Deep discounts on hundreds of generic medications
- Additional savings when you buy a 90-day supply
- Coverage for pets—yes, you can include furry family members
- The ability to bypass insurance and simply pay cash
Here’s a sample of what a patient might save:
| Medication | Retail Price | Savings Club Price (90 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Lisinopril 10mg | $15 | $6 |
| Metformin 500mg | $30 | $9 |
| Sertraline 50mg | $22 | $6 |
Note: Prices vary by region, but the savings are often significant.
Many patients (especially those with high deductibles or no drug coverage) find that joining the program pays for itself in one or two fills.
Other Pharmacy Programs Worth Exploring
Kroger isn’t alone in this game. Several big-box and retail pharmacies have their own versions:
- Walmart has a $4 generic list and often matches competitor prices
- Costco offers discounted prescriptions even if you’re not a member
- Walgreens has a Prescription Savings Club that works similarly to Kroger’s
- CVS has CarePass, which includes prescription delivery and some discount benefits
Encourage your patients to call or visit their local pharmacy and ask,
“Do you have a prescription savings membership?”
The pharmacists often know which program fits the patient’s budget and medication list best.
Train Your Staff to Be Patient Advocates
All these programs are wonderful—but only if your team knows how to talk about them with confidence.
Patients are often overwhelmed, frustrated, or embarrassed about the cost of their medications. That’s where your staff steps in as trusted guides.
Here’s how to build that skill set into your practice culture:
1. Create a Quick-Reference Resource Sheet
Make a laminated cheat sheet (or Google Doc) that includes:
- Common drug savings programs (e.g., GoodRx, SingleCare, RxAssist)
- Direct links to manufacturer assistance programs
- Local pharmacy membership plans
- Instructions for checking cash prices and eligibility requirements
Keep it near every computer or shared workstation.
2. Run a Monthly Staff Huddle
Use 15 minutes once a month to highlight:
- A patient who benefited from a program
- A new savings card that arrived in the mail
- Tips for navigating a specific medication’s manufacturer site
Keep it informal but consistent. Over time, your team will naturally become go-to experts for patients who need help.
3. Make It Part of the Intake Process
Train your front office or clinical staff to ask questions like:
- “Are you having any trouble affording your medications?”
- “Do you want us to help you look into discount options?”
These are simple, compassionate questions that open the door to massive financial relief for your patients—and build lasting loyalty.
Training Your Front Office Staff: The Key to a Smooth-Running Practice
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Let’s not sugarcoat it: medication costs are a major reason patients skip or delay treatment. If someone has to choose between their prescription and their rent, you already know which one is going to lose.
By helping patients navigate prescription programs, you’re not just saving them money—you’re:
- Increasing medication adherence
- Reducing hospitalizations and complications
- Improving trust in your clinic and staff
- Creating long-term patient loyalty
And yes, it’s more work. But it’s the kind of work that pays off—not just financially, but in the kind of care that makes a real difference.
Build a Patient Resource Station (Yes, It’s Worth It)
Want to really make these prescription programs work? Put them in plain sight. One of the best ways to help patients consistently is to create a small but intentional resource station in your clinic.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. Think clipboard and countertop, not custom cabinetry. Here’s what to include:
- A stack of GoodRx cards (or other discount programs like SingleCare or Optum Perks)
- Printed instruction sheets on how to apply for manufacturer savings programs
- Flyers or brochures from local pharmacies with information about membership savings plans
- A laminated “Quick Start” guide with QR codes linking to programs like:
- Medicare Drug Assistance
- RxAssist.org
- GoodRx.com
Place this station where patients will actually see it—like next to check-out, in the waiting room, or near the nurse’s station.
Your front office team can point to it and say:
“By the way, if you ever have trouble affording medications, here are a few options. Let us know if we can help walk you through any of them.”
This does more than save money—it builds trust and loyalty that’s hard to put a price on.
Track Prescription Program Use in Your EHR
If you’re using prescription savings tools regularly (which you should be), it’s time to track it just like any other part of patient care.
You don’t need a whole new system. Just add a simple note template or tag in the patient chart that includes:
- The name of the program or resource used
- Whether the patient qualified (and if not, why)
- Date of application or program use
- Any next steps (e.g., resubmit in 6 months, needs provider signature)
Here’s a quick example of what that might look like:
“Patient applied to AstraZeneca PAP for Brilinta 90mg. Submitted 1040 and proof of income. Should receive 90-day supply via clinic delivery. Reapply in 6 months. Contact: program@azhelps.com”
This not only helps your current team but keeps the next staff member in the loop if the patient calls in later asking, “What happened to my medication?”
Even better—if your EHR supports custom fields or checkboxes, create one for “Prescription Assistance Used.” That makes it easier to run reports later, track how often you’re helping, and justify the time and effort to leadership.
Turn These Tools Into Practice Habits
It’s one thing to know about prescription programs for patients. It’s another to build a repeatable workflow so they’re used consistently, not just when someone happens to remember.
Here’s how to embed these habits into your team:
Make It a Policy, Not a Suggestion
Set the standard: If a patient expresses concern about cost, a staff member should check for assistance options. This becomes part of your customer service culture, not just a one-off nice gesture.
Assign a Go-To Resource Person
Designate one staff member as your Prescription Program Champion. This doesn’t mean they do everything—but they’re the point person for questions, updates, and process reviews.
Revisit and Refresh Every Quarter
Update flyers, cards, and program instructions every 3–4 months. Pharmaceutical sites change. Discount cards expire. Pharmacies shift policies. Staying current = staying helpful.
Create a Simple Tracking Log (Even a Spreadsheet Works)
Log program use by patient name, medication, and type of savings. Over time, this helps you measure impact, spot barriers, and improve your workflow.
Here’s a sample layout:
| Patient Name | Medication | Program Used | Savings | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John D. | Xarelto | Janssen PAP | Full coverage for 1 year | Reapply Feb 2026 |
| Maria T. | Albuterol | GoodRx | $22 savings | Repeat coupon monthly |
| Kevin L. | Eliquis | Medicare Extra Help | Reduced copay to $5 | Reassess eligibility in fall |
Even if you don’t track every case, you’ll learn what works, what’s worth the time, and how to train new staff faster.
Helping Patients Save = Better Care, Period.
Let’s bring it back to the heart of the matter: patients don’t take medications they can’t afford.
Every time you help someone navigate prescription programs—whether it’s printing a GoodRx coupon, walking them through a manufacturer’s form, or just suggesting a cheaper pharmacy—you’re doing more than fixing a billing issue.
You’re keeping them on treatment. You’re preventing ER visits. You’re giving them dignity.
And honestly? You’re standing out in a world where patients often feel like no one’s paying attention.
This is how we close care gaps. This is how we build stronger practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prescription Programs for Patients
What are prescription programs for patients?
Prescription programs are tools that help patients reduce out-of-pocket costs for medications. These include manufacturer savings cards, patient assistance programs, pharmacy membership discounts, and price comparison tools like GoodRx. They’re especially helpful for patients without insurance or those with high-deductible health plans.
Can Medicare patients use prescription discount programs?
Yes—while some drug cards exclude Medicare beneficiaries, there are Medicare-specific prescription assistance programs available. Patients can check eligibility through Medicare.gov or directly with drug manufacturers. These programs often depend on income level and can provide free or significantly reduced-cost medications.
How can I find manufacturer savings programs for a medication?
Go to the official website of the drug’s manufacturer and look for links labeled “Patient Assistance,” “Support,” or “Savings Card.” Many offer discounts, free trials, or full patient assistance programs based on income. These options are usually listed under their patient or healthcare professional sections.
Is GoodRx better than using insurance?
Sometimes. GoodRx helps patients compare cash prices at different pharmacies, and in some cases, those prices are lower than a patient’s insurance copay. It’s worth checking both options. Patients can present the GoodRx coupon at the pharmacy and choose whichever price is cheaper at checkout.
What is a pharmacy membership savings plan?
Pharmacy savings plans, like Kroger’s or Walgreens’ programs, offer discounts on hundreds of medications for a yearly fee. These plans are ideal for patients without prescription coverage or with high deductibles. Membership often includes discounted generics, 90-day supply pricing, and even options for pet medications.