A new way to save on prescription drugs

A few taps on a smartphone app could mean money in you wallet at the pharmacy.

Several prescription drug apps now allow users to compare drug co-pay prices around their area.

The apps have similar functions: they compare prescription drug costs, or specific co-pay costs, with geographical proximity to the user; offer coupons through the app; and provide drug-specific use and risk information.

Consumers can enter their health insurance information to find out how much they will have to pay under their insurance plan at different pharmacies in their area. They’re then able to search for drugs – including brand name and generic – to compare prices nearby. Some of the apps allow users to search general prices without entering any information.

The apps include GoodRx, OneRx, LowRX, LowestMed, WeRx and RXPlus to name a few.

Lauren Wagner, director of marketing and partnerships for OneRx, would not say how the app obtains its pricing data, but said its pricing accuracy works with almost any type of insurance.

She also said the app operates off data, rather than direct agreements with insurance companies.

In a comparison between GoodRx, OneRx and LowestMed of prices for Atorvastain Calcium – a drug used to lower cholesterol, known by the brand-name Lipitor – LowestMed offered the cheapest prices with its coupons.

In general, the apps favors chain pharmacies, potentially due to stronger buying power than independent pharmacies.

John Norton, director of public relations for that National Community Pharmacists Association, said the differences are often negligible.

“Although they don’t have as much leverage, the prices aren’t that different,” he said.

And factors beyond price, such as pharmacist expertise and knowledge of the consumer’s medical history and co-prescriptions, should factor into pharmacy selection.

Of the various apps, GoodRx offers some of the most services compared to the others. Users can look through money-saving tips and news feeds about each specific drug. Some of the tips include information about pill-splitting, 90-day prescriptions and potentially less expensive alternatives for each drug. The app warns to discuss all of those measures with the prescribing physician first.

This story was originally published July 25, 2016 at 6:47 AM with the headline "A new way to save on prescription drugs."