Exploring the Benefits of GoodRx and Its Expanding Role in Improving Patient Affordability and Access to Medications

The out-of-pocket costs of medications and the patient’s ability to afford medications are 2 principal causes that often prevent patients from filling prescription medications. According to a 2020 report published by the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science, when there are no out-of-pocket expenses, the prescription abandonment rates are less than 5%; however, the incidence of prescription abandonment soar to an estimated 45% and 60% when out of pocket costs are over $125 and more than $500 respectively.¹ The report also indicated, “In the case of diabetes, anticoagulants, and oral cancer drugs, the average abandonment rate is 18% of all new therapy starts because more of these drugs carry higher costs.”¹ Findings from another recent survey indicated that an estimated 37% of Americans do not fill prescriptions due to the costs.²

Other key findings from the survey revealed that:

• 86% of those surveyed stated that they would select a generic medication if it resulted in saving money.
• 92% believe their physician and pharmacist should notify them about alternative and more affordable therapies.
• In the past few months, over 36% of those surveyed consulted the pharmacist about medication affordability and if other choices are available.²

In 2011, GoodRx, a free mobile app and website, was launched, and its mission is to help patients obtain access to affordable medications and to save money for patients with or without insurance. There are also premium paid plans for individuals and families who routinely take prescription medications. According to the GoodRx website, using GoodRx price comparisons helps consumers save up to 80% on “virtually all FDA-approved drugs—brand-name and generic.”³ While patients with insurance or Medicare can use GoodRx, the website states, “GoodRx cannot be combined with your insurance or any federal or state-funded program such as Medicare or Medicaid. GoodRx is not insurance.³

News About GoodRx

In July 2023, CVS Caremark^®, a CVS Health^® company, and GoodRx announced the launch of Caremark^® Cost Saver^TM to assist in decreasing out-of-pocket drug costs for CVS Caremark clients' members. With the new program, CVS Caremark's eligible members will have automatic access to GoodRx's prescription pricing, which will enable members to pay the lowest prices, when available, on generic medications.⁴ This collaboration will provide GoodRx reasonably valued pricing to commercially insured plan members taking frequently prescribed generic prescriptions at in-network pharmacies, launching January 1, 2024.⁴

In the press release, David Joyner, Executive Vice President, CVS Health and President, CVS Caremark stated, “We work every day to provide a more affordable drug benefit for our CVS Caremark clients and their plan members, and this collaborative prescription discount solution enables us to dynamically shop for the best price on their behalf. By lowering out-of-pocket costs for our clients' members, Caremark Cost Saver will help patients afford to take their medicine as directed."⁴ More information can be found at the CVS Payer Solutions website.

In September 2023, GoodRx announced it is working with Walgreens to decrease prices on an estimated 200 prescription medications. According to the press release, the drug price reduction will be “By an average of 40%, with even greater savings available for select medications. Consumers can now purchase many popular prescriptions at Walgreens for less than $15 for a 30-day fill without any deductibles, restrictions, paperwork, approvals, or quantity limitations.”⁵ The new lower prices will include therapies for common conditions, including cardiovascular disease and mental health, and medications often not covered by insurance plans, including weight loss, acne, and insomnia.⁵ In the press release, Jim Sheninger, Pharmacy Strategy Officer of GoodRx, stated, “Americans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to be able to afford their medications. Walgreens has been part of our network since nearly the beginning, enabling us to offer their customers lower prices on the most commonly prescribed medications to make it even easier for people to save money. We believe everyone deserves affordable healthcare, and this initiative will help more Americans access the treatment they need.”⁵

In a recent publication, the author provided reasons why GoodRx can benefit prescribers and patients. The author noted that since many prescribers are aware of the high cost of medications and the impact of costs on patient compliance, GoodRx provides prescribers with valuable real-time information about drug costs, which can then be used to discuss with the patient and to make decisions about therapies.⁶ The author wrote, “Over 950,000 providers across a wide variety of specialties have trusted and used GoodRx for pricing, savings, and coverage information to help their patients start and stay on therapy.”⁶

Views From Pharmacists

Retail Pharmacist stated, “When I encounter a patient that does not want medication because of the cost, I always inform them about GoodRx and in most cases, depending upon the drug is able to afford the medication because of using Good Rx. I am in favor of helping patients save money to obtain their medications, especially for patients who need maintenance medications for chronic conditions.”

Retail Pharmacist stated, “I have encountered patients unfamiliar with GoodRx. I think that prescribers and pharmacists should inform patients about the ap, especially with new prescriptions, because many patients will not fill a prescription if the costs are too high, and as a result, patients do not obtain the treatment needed for a health condition.”

Views From Patients

Patient with hypertension stated, "I did not know about GoodRx until the pharmacist mentioned it when I picked up my new prescription. Because of the cost of the medication, I almost did not get it, but the coupon from Good Rx made the cost reasonable. As a result, I can take my medication as prescribed, and my blood pressure is controlled."

Patient with hyperlipidemia and diabetes stated, “Thanks to Good Rx savings, I can get my maintenance medications at reasonable prices. It is easy to use and really saves me money, and now I can get my medication every month without worrying about the cost. I have told my family members and friends about the savings, and many did not know about the app or website.”

Conclusion

The impact of nonadherence to medication resulting in poor clinical outcomes, which contribute to increased health care resource utilization, in-office visits, ER visits, hospitalizations, and overall health care costs, are well documented in the literature.⁷ The recent partnerships with two major retail chains, CVS and Walgreens, highlight the benefits of GoodRx, which will expand patient access to medications by lowering out-of-pocket costs. GoodRx provides prescribers and patients with real-time information about medication prices and the ability to compare prices from various pharmacies to determine what is best for them. Since patient affordability is a critical factor in determining if a patient will fill a prescription, having access to medications at lower costs has the potential to improve patient adherence and, thus, clinical outcomes, which also have the potential to reduce indirect and direct costs for the patient and the health care system.

Pharmacists can be instrumental in informing patients about cost savings for their medications, and when encountering patients who are concerned about the high costs of medications, pharmacists can inform them about GoodRx and suggest asking their prescribers about getting a 90-day supply for maintenance medications, ask prescribers about generics if available and if patients are prescribed a biologic medication, pharmacists can check with prescribers about biosimilars when appropriate.

References

1. Medicine spending and affordability in the US IQVIA Institute. Published August 4, 2020. Accessed November 15, 2023. https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports-and-publications/reports/medicine-spending-and-affordability-in-the-us
2. Wolters Kluwer’s Pharmacy Next survey shows 58% of Americans likely to first seek non-emergency healthcare at pharmacies. Wolterskluwer.com. Published May 17, 2023. Accessed November 17, 2023. https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/news/survey-shows-americans-seek-non-emergency-healthcare-at-pharmacies
3. What is GoodRx? How does it work? goodrx.com. https://support.goodrx.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004944026-What-is-GoodRx-How-does-it-work-#:~:text=GoodRx%20is%20accepted%20at%20virtually,Click%20here%20for%20more%20information
4. CVS Caremark and GoodRx to launch Caremark® Cost Saver™ to help lower out-of-pocket drug costs for CVS Caremark clients' members. PRNewswire.com. Published July 12, 2023. Accessed November 15, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-caremark-and-goodrx-to-launch-caremark-cost-saver-to-help-lower-out-of-pocket-drug-costs-for-cvs-caremark-clients-members-301875062.html
5. GoodRx now offers 40% more savings on nearly 200 medications at Walgreens. Businesswire.com. Published September 11, 2023. Accessed November 15, 2023. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230911100555/en/
6. Is GoodRx in your 2024 HCP marketing plan? 5 reasons it should be. Fiercepharma.com. Published November 13, 2023. Accessed November 15, 2023. https://www.fiercepharma.com/sponsored/goodrx-your-2024-hcp-marketing-plan-5-reasons-it-should-be#_ftn5
7. Iuga AO, McGuire MJ. Adherence and health care costs. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2014;7:35-44. doi:10.2147/RMHP.S19801.