As you know, prescription prices can be ridiculous. And if you take even one medication every month, the cost can add up fast.
The other day, I did research to find several ways to spend less on prescriptions. One of the options mentioned was SingleCare. It is a free prescription savings service that can help people pay less for many of their medications.
Just know, SingleCare is not health insurance. It works more like a discount card. You search for your prescription, compare prices at pharmacies near you, get the coupon, and show it to the pharmacist when you pick up your medicine.
That is pretty much it! But I'll go into more detail below on how it can help you.
What Is SingleCare?
SingleCare is a prescription discount service that helps people find lower prices on many brand-name and generic medications.
You do not have to pay anything to use it. You also do not have to meet income requirements, submit paperwork, or wait to be approved.
These are some of the things I like most about it. A lot of assistance programs require applications and documentation. SingleCare is much, much simpler.
You can use the website or app to search for your medication and compare prices at different pharmacies in your area. I noticed that the prices can vary quite a bit from one pharmacy to another, even for the exact same prescription.
So if one location looks expensive, you should definitely check a few others before making a decision.
How Does SingleCare Work?
SingleCare is pretty straightforward really.
First, you search for your medication on the website or in the app.
Then you enter your ZIP code so that SingleCare can show you participating pharmacies nearby.
Next, you choose the coupon you want to use. You can print it, text it to yourself, email it, or simply show it from your phone to the pharmacist.
When you go to the pharmacy, the pharmacist enters the coupon information and applies the discount.
Again, keep in mind that you are not using your insurance when you use SingleCare. You are choosing the SingleCare price instead.
That said, this can still be a benefit. Sometimes the discounted price is actually lower than an insurance copay! If that happens, you would of course choose whichever option costs less.
Always compare both prices before filling your prescription.
What Are the Benefits of SingleCare?
The first benefit is that SingleCare is free. There are no membership fees, monthly charges, or hidden costs.
The second benefit is that you can compare prices before you head to the pharmacy. Nobody likes getting surprised by a high bill at the counter, and SingleCare helps you see your options ahead of time.
The third benefit is that SingleCare is accepted at many major pharmacies across the country. This includes well-known chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, and many others.
Another benefit is that almost anyone can use it. You do not have to be uninsured, and you do not have to prove financial need.
This can be especially helpful if you don't have insurance, are on a high deductible plan, have medications that aren't covered or well covered by your insurance, or want to compare prices before getting something filled.
I also like that you can use SingleCare again and again. It is not a one-time coupon. You can search every time you refill because prices can change over time.
Even saving $10 or $20 a month could make a difference for some households right now!
Who Should Consider Using SingleCare?
Honestly, I think almost anyone who fills prescriptions could benefit from checking this out. If your copays are high, your insurance isn't very good, your insurance doesn't cover a medication, you take meds regularly, and you are trying to save money, then this would be a service to check out.
Even if you already think you are getting a decent price, it really only takes a minute to compare.
If SingleCare does not offer a better deal, you do not have to use it. There is no obligation, and you are not locked into anything.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
Like any service, SingleCare is not perfect.
First, it is important to remember again that SingleCare is not insurance. It does not replace health insurance coverage, and purchases made through SingleCare generally do not count toward your deductible.
Second, you cannot combine SingleCare with your insurance benefits. You have to choose one or the other when filling your prescription.
I also saw that prices can vary, and the price you see today could change in the future.
Finally, SingleCare is not always the cheapest option available. Sometimes another discount service, your insurance plan, Cost Plus Drugs, or a pharmacy savings program will offer a lower price.
Still, I really do not see these as major problems. The main purpose of SingleCare is to give you another option and another price to compare.
When medication costs are high, having more options is definitely a positive thing.
My Take on SingleCare
Of course this is not going to solve all your prescription cost problems, but it's a useful tool that could help you. It's free, it's easy to use, and it only takes a minute to check before you get something filled.
You don't have to apply, pay a membership fee, or commit to this in any way.
If SingleCare helps lower the cost of even one prescription, that savings can add up over time!
Ready to Check Out SingleCare?
Go here to see what you think. Good luck!
Photo by www.kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/doctor-offering-choice-to-patient-in-office-4021817/
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.