Yes, you can get prescriptions without insurance through several proven methods that can save you hundreds of dollars. Many drug companies have patient assistance programs that cover some or all of the costs of their medicines, and there are discount programs, community health centers, and telehealth services that help uninsured patients access affordable medications.
Getting the medicine you need shouldn’t break your budget. This guide shows you exactly how to get prescriptions without insurance using seven simple methods that real people use every day to save money on their medications.
Why Getting Prescriptions Without Insurance Matters
More than 1 in 4 adults taking prescription drugs report difficulty affording their medication, including 40% of those with household income of less than $40,000 per year, according to KFF polling data. Without insurance, prescription costs can feel overwhelming, but you have more options than you might think.
About eight in ten adults (82%) say the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable, making it clear that this problem affects millions of Americans every day.
7 Ways to Get Prescriptions Without Insurance
Talk to Your Doctor First
Your doctor is your best starting point. They can help in several ways:
- Switch you to a cheaper generic version of your medication
- Prescribe a different drug that costs less
- Give you free samples to try before you buy larger amounts
- Point you toward assistance programs that fit your situation
Check with your provider to see if he/she can offer you samples of the medication you need. This is important especially if it is a new medication for you, so you will know if it is effective for you before you fill a larger order.
Use Prescription Discount Cards and Apps
GoodRx and Similar Services
GoodRx is one of the most popular ways to save money on prescriptions. Here’s how it works:
- Use our price comparison resource on your mobile app or visit goodrx.com to save up to 80% on virtually all FDA-approved drugs—brand-name and generic
- GoodRx is accepted at virtually every one of the 70,000+ retail pharmacies in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- The service is completely free to use
- You can’t use it with insurance at the same time
How to Use GoodRx:
- Search for your medication on the GoodRx website or app
- Compare prices at different pharmacies near you
- Print the coupon or show it on your phone
- Take it to the pharmacy and ask them to use the GoodRx price instead of the cash price
Apply for Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
Drug companies offer programs that provide free or low-cost medications to people who qualify. These programs can be life-changing if you meet the requirements.
Who Qualifies for PAPs?
To qualify for free medicine through the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program, patients must meet income guidelines, which vary by product and household size. The income eligibility for patient assistance starts at 400% of the Federal Poverty Limit adjusted for family size ($51,520 for a single person; $106,000 for a family of four).
Most programs require you to:
- Be uninsured or underinsured
- Meet income requirements (usually based on federal poverty guidelines)
- Have a prescription from a U.S. doctor
- Apply through your doctor’s office
How to Find PAPs
- Ask your doctor about programs for your specific medications
- Visit the drug manufacturer’s website
- Use websites like RxAssist.org or NeedyMeds.org to search for programs
- Call the drug company directly
Visit Community Health Centers
Community health centers provide medical care and prescriptions based on what you can afford to pay. How much you pay depends on your income. Community health centers are located in both urban and rural areas.
These centers offer:
- Sliding fee scales based on your income
- Help applying for other assistance programs
- Access to discounted medications through special programs
- Medical care from licensed doctors and nurses
To find a community health center near you, visit the Health Resources and Services Administration website and use their “Find a Health Center” tool.
Try Online Pharmacies and Telehealth Services
Online options can save you money and time:
Telehealth Prescriptions
Telemedicine helps you access healthcare easier — through online access. It lets you have a medical visit and get a prescription online without having to see a provider in person. Many telehealth platforms work without insurance and offer:
- Virtual doctor visits for common conditions
- Prescription refills for ongoing medications
- Lower costs than traditional doctor visits
- Convenient scheduling from home
Mail-Order Pharmacies
Some online pharmacies offer:
- Lower prices than local pharmacies
- 90-day supplies that reduce the number of refills
- Home delivery
- Bulk discounts for generic medications
Look Into State and Local Programs
Many states have their own prescription assistance programs. Several states also offer programs that help uninsured or underinsured residents pay for medications, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Most are aimed at people who don’t qualify for Medicaid.
Types of State Programs
- State pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs)
- County prescription discount cards
- Local charity programs
- Hospital charity care programs
To find programs in your area, contact your state’s insurance commissioner’s office or visit your state’s health department website.
Use Pharmacy Savings Programs
Many pharmacies have their own discount programs:
Chain Pharmacy Programs
- Walmart: $4 for 30-day supplies and $10 for 90-day supplies of certain generic drugs
- CVS: ExtraCare program with prescription discounts
- Walgreens: Prescription Savings Club for annual fee
- Costco: Generally low prescription prices (membership required)
Independent Pharmacy Programs
Local pharmacies often offer:
- Personal service and flexible payment plans
- Competitive prices
- Special programs for regular customers
- Cash discounts
Special Programs for Specific Conditions
Diabetes Medications
If you have diabetes, look for:
- Insulin assistance programs from manufacturers
- Diabetes supply discount programs
- Community health center diabetes programs
Greenleaf Pharmacy offers specialized diabetes management medications and glucose monitoring supplies to help manage your condition affordably.
Mental Health Medications
For mental health prescriptions:
- Many drug companies have special programs for psychiatric medications
- Community mental health centers often provide sliding-scale fees
- Some online platforms specialize in mental health prescriptions
Chronic Condition Medications
If you have ongoing health conditions, consider:
- Disease-specific assistance programs
- Nonprofit organizations that help with specific conditions
- Medication counseling services to optimize your treatment plan
How to Save Money on Any Prescription
Choose Generic When Possible
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the average net price of brand-name prescription drugs increased substantially from 2009 to 2018: from $149 to $353 in Medicare Part D and from $147 to $218 in Medicaid. This makes finding alternatives like generic medications even more important for saving money.
Buy in Larger Quantities
Getting 90-day supplies instead of 30-day supplies often costs less per pill and reduces pharmacy fees.
Compare Prices
Prescription prices can vary widely between pharmacies, even in the same area. Always compare prices before filling your prescription.
Ask About Cash Prices
Sometimes the cash price at a pharmacy is lower than what you’d pay with a discount card. Always ask the pharmacist to check both options.
Important Things to Remember
Keep Track of Your Expenses
If you think you might get insurance later, keep receipts for all your prescription purchases. Some insurance plans will reimburse you for medications you bought before your coverage started.
Don’t Skip Medications
Never stop taking prescribed medications without talking to your doctor first. If you can’t afford your current prescription, ask your doctor about alternatives rather than going without treatment.
Watch Out for Scams
Only buy prescriptions from licensed pharmacies. Be cautious of websites that:
- Don’t require prescriptions
- Sell medications at prices that seem too good to be true
- Aren’t based in the United States
- Don’t have a licensed pharmacist available
Getting Help with Specialty Medications
Some medications are very expensive, even with assistance programs. For these situations:
Nonprofit Grant Programs
Organizations like the Patient Access Network Foundation and HealthWell Foundation provide grants to help pay for specific medications.
Hospital Charity Care
Many hospitals have charity care programs that can help with expensive medications prescribed during hospital stays.
Clinical Trials
If you have a serious condition, clinical trials might provide access to new medications at no cost. Talk to your doctor about whether any trials might be appropriate for you.
Planning for the Future
Getting Insurance
While these methods help you get prescriptions without insurance, having health coverage is usually the best long-term solution. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides information about various coverage options. Consider:
- Medicaid if you qualify based on income
- Marketplace insurance during open enrollment
- COBRA if you recently lost job-based coverage
- Short-term insurance as a temporary solution
Building a Medication Fund
If you take regular medications, consider setting aside money each month specifically for prescription costs. Even small amounts can add up and help you afford your medications when you need them.
Working with Your Pharmacist
Your pharmacist can be a valuable resource for saving money on prescriptions. They can:
- Check if generic versions are available
- Compare discount card prices with cash prices
- Help you apply for manufacturer assistance programs
- Suggest therapeutic alternatives that might cost less
- Provide information about pharmacy discount programs
Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explain your financial situation. Most pharmacists want to help you get the medications you need at prices you can afford.
For comprehensive pharmaceutical services including compounding medications and over-the-counter medications, trusted pharmacies like Greenleaf Pharmacy can provide personalized support to help you find affordable solutions for your medication needs.
Final Thoughts
Getting prescriptions without insurance takes some extra work, but it’s definitely possible. Start by talking to your doctor and pharmacist about your situation. They often know about local programs and discounts that can help you save money.
Remember that you have multiple options, and what works best depends on your specific medications, income, and location. Don’t give up if the first program you try doesn’t work out – keep exploring different options until you find the help you need.
The most important thing is to keep taking your prescribed medications. Your health is worth the effort it takes to find affordable ways to get the prescriptions you need. With persistence and the right resources, you can manage your medication costs even without insurance coverage.
For personalized help with your prescription needs, consider visiting a local pharmacy that offers comprehensive services and can work with you to find the most affordable options for your specific situation.