How do prescription discount cards work?

Key takeaways

• Prescription discount cards are free cards from third-party companies that negotiate discounts with pharmacies, helping you save on branded or generic medications.
• Anyone can use prescription discount cards, with or without insurance, though you can’t use them at the same time as insurance. There’s no limit to the number of medications you can use them for.
• Savings vary by pharmacy, card, and day, but some discount cards may save you up to 80% on prescription medications. If you have insurance, compare which option offers the most benefit.

Overview

When a doctor prescribes medication, it’s important to take it as advised to help manage your condition and feel better as soon as possible. These prescriptions can often mean an unavoidable expense, especially if you have a chronic condition involving long-term medication.

But there are ways you can save on these drug costs. One option is using a prescription discount card. This is where a third party has agreed on discounts with pharmacies and provides these cards to pass the savings on to you.

Knowing more about discount cards and who can use them can help you feel more confident about finding the best savings for your prescription medications.

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What is a prescription discount card?

According to a 2024 study using 2022 data, people in the United States have some of the highest prescription drug costs in the world.

A 2026 poll in the United States noted that six in ten adult respondents found it difficult to afford their prescriptions, with 43% reporting that they didn’t take their medications as prescribed due to cost.

Discount cards, such as the Optum Perks Discount Card, are provided by a third-party company, not the pharmacy or the drug manufacturers. This company negotiates drug discounts with pharmacies, and every time someone uses a discount card, the pharmacy pays the company.

Prescription discount cards are free and might help lower your drug costs. You can show a prescription discount card at a pharmacy to receive a discount on both branded and generic medications. You can keep it in your wallet or use a mobile app to use your Optum Perks discount card or check offers.

You should be able to use the card at many pharmacies nationwide, both in chains like Walmart and smaller pharmacies. With Optum Perks, you can also compare specific drug prices online at different pharmacies to find the best offer in your area.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Who can use them?

Any adult can use prescription discount cards, regardless of the number of medications they need.

You don’t need insurance to use them. But you can’t use them at the same time as your insurance. This means the cost doesn’t affect your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

You may need to consider which option offers the most benefit to you. Prescription discount cards may be most beneficial for people without insurance, but you can still use them if you have an insurance plan.

Polling finds that people who take four or more prescription drugs each month have the most difficulty paying for their medications. A prescription discount card may be a suitable option in these cases, as there’s no limit to the number of medications you can use it for.

How much can I save?

The amount you can save on prescription drugs varies between pharmacies and discount cards. The savings can even be different day by day. For example, the Optum Perks Discount Card can save you up to 80% on your prescription medications.

But it’s helpful to note that drug prices can change anytime and vary in different pharmacies. Also, online prices may differ when you visit the pharmacy in person.

Optum Perks now also offers reduced pricing on over 60 branded medications, and consumers can now save an average of 22.5%, or $91, per prescription. The final price of your medications may be discounted at the pharmacy even further than the offers listed on our site.

To see your final cost, simply present your Optum Perks card to the pharmacist — your savings will be applied in real time based on our most current discounts.

Summary

The high costs of prescriptions can cause problems for many people, especially if they take regular multiple medications.

Prescription discount cards are one solution that can help you save on your medications. These are free to use, and you don’t need insurance. But be aware that you can’t use them alongside insurance — you can only use one or the other.

The amount you can save with a prescription discount card will vary, especially as drug costs can vary widely. But you might be able to save up to 80% with the aOptum Perks Discount Card.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

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• Do prescription discount cards count toward a deductible?
• 5 FAQ about Optum Perks prescription discounts