As you know, prescription prices can be ridiculous. And if you take even one medication every month, the cost can add up quickly.
The other day I did some research to find several ways to spend less on prescriptions. One of the options mentioned was SingleCare. This is a free prescription savings service that can help people pay less for many of their medications.
Just know that 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 collect your medicine.
That’s pretty much it! But I’ll go into more detail below on how this can help you.
What is SingleCare?
Unique care is a prescription discount service that helps people find lower prices on many brand-name and generic medications.
You don’t have to pay anything to use it. You also don’t have to meet income requirements, submit documents, or wait for approval.
These are some of the things I love the most. Many assistance programs require applications and documentation. SingleCare is much simpler.
You can use the website or app to search for your medications and compare prices at different pharmacies in your area. I’ve noticed that prices can vary quite a bit from one pharmacy to another, even for the exact same prescription.
So if one place seems expensive, you should definitely check out a few others before making a decision.
How does SingleCare work?
SingleCare is really quite simple.
First, you search for your medicine on the website or in the app.
Then you enter your postal code so SingleCare can show you nearby participating pharmacies.
Then 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 choose the SingleCare price instead.
That said, it can still be an advantage. Sometimes the discounted price is actually less than an insurance co-pay! If this happens, you will of course choose the least expensive option.
Always compare the two prices before filling your prescription.
What are the advantages of SingleCare?
The first advantage is that SingleCare is free. There are no membership fees, monthly fees or hidden costs.
The second advantage is that you can compare prices before going to the pharmacy. No one likes to be surprised by a high bill at the counter, and SingleCare helps you know your options in advance.
The third benefit is that SingleCare is accepted at many major pharmacies nationwide. This includes well-known chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger and many others.
Another advantage is that almost anyone can use it. You don’t have to be uninsured and you don’t need to prove your 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 covered well by your insurance, or want to compare prices before getting something filled.
I also like that you can use SingleCare over and over again. This is not a one-off coupon. You can search every time you recharge as prices may 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 everyone who fills prescriptions could benefit from this check. If your copays are high, your insurance isn’t very good, your insurance doesn’t cover a medication, you take medications regularly, and you’re trying to save money, then this would be a service to check out.
Even if you already think you’re getting a decent price, it only takes a minute to compare.
If SingleCare doesn’t have a better deal, you don’t have to use it. There is no obligation and you are not tied to anything.
Are there any disadvantages?
Like any service, SingleCare is not perfect.
First, it is important to remember once 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 you cannot combine SingleCare with your insurance benefits. You must choose one or the other when filling your prescription.
I also saw that prices can vary, and the 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.
However, I don’t really consider these to be major problems. The main goal of SingleCare is to give you another option and another price to compare.
When drug costs are high, having more options is certainly a positive thing.
My take on SingleCare
Of course, this won’t solve all your prescription cost problems, but it’s a useful tool that might help you. It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it only takes a minute to check before filling something out.
You are not required to apply, pay any membership fees, or get involved in any way.
If SingleCare helps reduce the cost of a single prescription, those savings can add up over time!
Ready to discover SingleCare?
Go here to see what you think. Good luck!
Photo from www.kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/doctor-offering-choice-to-patient-in-office-4021817/
Anna Thurman is a work-from-home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. His findings are published weekly here on Real Ways to Earn.
