💊 Nine Ways Seniors with Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement can save on prescription drugs

June 2nd, 2025

If you’re on Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement plan, managing your prescription drug costs is essential—especially if you're on a fixed income.

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to keep medication costs down without sacrificing quality or safety.

Whether you’re new to Medicare or just looking to make your prescriptions more affordable, this guide offers easy, proven tips to save money and get the care you need.

⚠️ Important Note:

Remember that using discount cards or coupons outside your Medicare Part D prescription plan? Those savings do not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Always double-check with your plan or agent.

1. 💬 Talk with Your Doctor and Pharmacist

Your doctor and pharmacist are your first line of defense when it comes to high drug prices. Ask them:

• Is there a generic or lower-cost version?
• Can I switch to a 90-day supply instead of monthly refills?
• Are there manufacturer discount programs available?

Hospital social workers can also point you toward government and local programs for chronic conditions like diabetes or cancer. Some Medicare Advantage plans are geared to help with management of chronic conditions.

🔍 According to Medicare.gov, your provider can help find ways to reduce prescription costs without compromising your treatment (source).

2. 💳 Use Free Prescription Discount Cards

Programs like GoodRx, Blink Health, SingleCare, and WellRX offer price comparisons and digital coupons.

BUT: Be cautious with your data. The Federal Trade Commission fined GoodRx for sharing user health info without permission (FTC Source).

3. 💼 Consider Paid Prescription Savings Clubs

If you prefer using the same pharmacy (like Walgreens), joining their savings club (around $20/year) could be worth it.

Amazon Prime members also have access to discounted prescriptions, but weigh the $139/year membership if you're not using other Prime services.

👉 Compare the fees and savings between free and paid options before enrolling.

4. 🔍 Go Straight to the Manufacturer

If you're prescribed a brand-name drug with no generic option, the manufacturer may offer a savings card or program. Eligibility often depends on:

• Your income
• Insurance status
• U.S. residency

NeedyMeds.org and RXAssist.org are great places to search by medication or condition.

💡 Pfizer, for instance, helps patients earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level—about $60,240/year for a single person in 2024. (HHS Guidelines)

5. 💻 Check Out Online Mail-Order Pharmacies

Online options like:

• Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs
• Blink Health
• GeniusRx
• DiRx

…offer deep discounts for cash payments. Even though you won’t use your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan here, prices can be significantly lower.

⚠️ Downside: You won’t receive meds immediately—so use these for long-term refills, not urgent needs.

6. 📋 Know Your Drug Plan Formulary

Your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan has a list of drugs it covers—called a formulary. This tells you:

• Whether your medication is covered
• What tier it's in
• Your expected copay

Before filling a new prescription, call your local Medicare insurance agent (like Kim & Co Agency!) to check your plan’s drug list and coverages.

7. 🌍 Explore Canadian Pharmacy Options (Carefully)

Prescription drug prices in Canada are about 218% lower than in the U.S. thanks to government price controls. Canadian pharmacies require:

• A valid prescription (they’ll often co-sign with your U.S. doctor)
• Strict verification through Health Canada, similar to the U.S. FDA

➡ ️ Be sure to use a licensed Canadian pharmacy and check with your doctor before switching sources.

Learn more about safe cross-border pharmacy use from the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP Source).

8. 💝 The PAN Foundation & Financial Aid

The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation helps people with serious and chronic illnesses afford their prescriptions. They offer:

• Co-pay and premium assistance
• Travel cost help
• Coverage for over 70 diseases

Visit panfoundation.org to see if you qualify.

✅ Final Thoughts: Be Your Own Best Advocate

Whether you're on Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement, or a Medicare Advantage Plan, staying informed about your options can lead to big savings on medications.

💡 Ask questions. Compare prices. Get support. And most importantly, lean on your local Medicare advisor.

📞 Need help understanding your prescription drug coverage or plan options? Contact Kim & Co Agency today—your trusted Medicare resource in Georgia!

📚 Sources & Resources:

• Medicare.gov – Drug Coverage 
• GoodRx 
• NeedyMeds.org
  
• RXAssist.org
  
• PAN Foundation
  
• Cost Plus Drugs
  
• HHS Poverty Guidelines