Discount Prescriptions and Inexpensive Over-the-Counter Medicines
Saving Consumers Money and Helping Keep Patients Healthy Longer
Affordable medications offered by retailers not only lower a barrier to health care access, but also improve the financial livelihood of our customers. Discount drug programs focus on money-saving generic drugs, producing even larger savings for the overall health care system.
For years, retailers have helped lower the health care costs of our customers by filling hundreds of generic prescriptions for less than ten dollars, saving consumers billions of dollars. While the direct savings are startling, the real impact on the American health care system is even larger when competitors lower their prices and consumers have more affordable treatment options in generic drugs, especially those without insurance.
In addition, many retailers are doing their part to allow customers to avoid choosing between paying for medication or necessities such as food and housing. Some companies offer programs targeted at individuals with lower income levels while others offer inexpensive drug choices for the general population.
Studies show that individuals who regularly take prescribed medications live longer, healthier lives and their need for more complex—and expensive—medical care is significantly reduced.
Policy Consideration
Congress could expand access to additional drugs that could be sold at discount prices by funding programs that test generic drugs in order to push them into the marketplace faster.