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If you have Medicare and you are struggling to afford your prescription medications, you are not alone. Millions of Americans 55 and older are quietly overpaying for drugs every single month — not because savings do not exist, but because it is hard to know which option is actually the best way to save on prescriptions with Medicare. Between federal programs, pharmacy discount cards, and drug manufacturer assistance, the choices can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it all down so you can keep more money in your pocket starting today.
The Three Big Options: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the details, here is a simple way to think about the three main savings tools available to Medicare recipients:
- Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): A federal program that reduces your Medicare Part D costs — including premiums, deductibles, and copays.
- GoodRx: A free discount card and app that negotiates lower prices at participating pharmacies, available to anyone regardless of insurance.
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): Programs run by pharmaceutical manufacturers that provide free or deeply discounted medications to qualifying individuals.
Each option has its strengths. The key is knowing when to use which — and in some cases, how to combine them.
Extra Help: The Best Way to Save on Prescriptions with Medicare for Many Seniors
Extra Help, also known as the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), is a federal program administered by Social Security and Medicare. It is specifically designed for people who have Medicare Part D and meet certain income and resource limits. If you qualify, the savings can be substantial — up to $5,300 per year on your prescription drug costs.
Here is what Extra Help can do for you:
- Reduce or eliminate your Part D monthly premium
- Lower or eliminate your annual deductible
- Bring your copays down to as little as $0 to $10 per prescription
- Protect you from the coverage gap (sometimes called the donut hole)
Over 13 million people are estimated to qualify for this benefit, but a significant number have never applied. That means billions of dollars in savings go unclaimed every year. If your income is modest and your resources are limited, this program should be your first call.
You can apply for Extra Help online at ssa.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. It is free to apply and the process is straightforward.
Who Is Extra Help Best For?
Extra Help is ideal if you are on a fixed income, already enrolled in Medicare Part D, and spending a meaningful amount each month on multiple prescriptions. It is a permanent, ongoing benefit — not a one-time discount. Once approved, it stays with you year after year as long as you continue to qualify.
GoodRx: A Solid Backup Tool — With Important Limitations
GoodRx has become a household name because it is easy, free, and often delivers real savings at the pharmacy counter. You simply look up your medication on the GoodRx website or app, show the coupon to the pharmacist, and pay a discounted cash price instead of your insurance rate.
For certain generic medications, GoodRx prices can be surprisingly low — sometimes just a few dollars per prescription. That makes it a genuinely useful tool in specific situations.
However, there is a critical rule Medicare recipients must know: You generally cannot use GoodRx at the same time as Medicare. Using GoodRx means you are paying out of pocket, and that purchase typically does not count toward your Medicare deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. For people with high medication costs overall, this trade-off can actually cost you more in the long run.
When GoodRx Makes Sense for Medicare Enrollees
- For a drug not covered by your Part D plan
- For a very low-cost generic where the GoodRx price beats your copay
- As a temporary bridge while you are waiting for coverage to begin
- For over-the-counter items or medications outside your formulary
Think of GoodRx as a useful backup, not a replacement for a strong Medicare savings strategy.
Patient Assistance Programs: Free Drugs Directly from Manufacturers
Many major pharmaceutical companies operate Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) that provide brand-name medications at little or no cost to people who meet income and insurance criteria. These programs are typically designed for people who are uninsured or underinsured, but some do accept Medicare beneficiaries — especially for drugs not covered by Part D.
The downside of PAPs is that they require paperwork, a doctor's involvement, and periodic renewal. They are also brand-specific, meaning you have to apply separately for each drug from each manufacturer. Processing times vary, and not every medication has an assistance program.
That said, if you take an expensive brand-name drug and Extra Help does not fully cover it, a PAP could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. The nonprofit RxAssist.org maintains a searchable database of available programs.
How the Best Way to Save on Prescriptions with Medicare Often Involves Stacking
Here is good news: you do not always have to pick just one option. Smart Medicare enrollees often use a layered approach:
- Step 1: Apply for Extra Help to reduce your baseline Part D costs across all your medications.
- Step 2: For any drug not covered by Part D, check GoodRx or look for a manufacturer PAP.
- Step 3: Review your Part D plan annually during Open Enrollment to make sure it still covers your medications at the lowest cost.
Many people leave thousands of dollars on the table simply because they never knew Extra Help existed. One phone call to Social Security could change your monthly budget permanently.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Extra Help: Up to $5,300/year in savings, ongoing benefit, works within Medicare, income and resource limits apply
- GoodRx: Variable savings, free to use, works outside Medicare, no income limits but cannot usually be combined with Part D
- Patient Assistance Programs: Can cover full drug cost, brand-name drugs only, requires application and doctor participation, varies by manufacturer
Your Next Step: Find Out If You Qualify for Extra Help
If you are on Medicare and your budget is tight, the single most impactful thing you can do right now is check your eligibility for Extra Help. It costs nothing to apply, and if you qualify, the savings start with your very next prescription refill cycle.
Here is how to get started:
- Online: Visit ssa.gov and search for the Extra Help application
- By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office — no appointment required
You can also get free, unbiased help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). These trained counselors can walk you through your options at no charge. Find your local SHIP counselor at shiphelp.org.
Do not wait. Prescription costs add up fast, and the savings available through Extra Help are real, meaningful, and waiting for you to claim them.
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