Rx Assistance – Prescription Drug Alternatives
Help for Prescriptions Beyond Your Plan
Your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan isn't the only place to get your prescriptions covered. There are alternatives that may save you money.
Extra Help — Federal Assistance That Lowers Your Actual Plan Costs
Before looking at discount cards, check whether you qualify for Extra Help (also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy). This is different from everything else on this page — it's not a discount card, it's a federal program that directly reduces what you pay through your actual Part D plan.
If you qualify, Extra Help waives your Part D deductible and premium, and caps your copays at $5.10 for generic drugs and $12.65 for brand-name drugs in 2026. Once your out-of-pocket costs reach the catastrophic threshold, you pay nothing for covered drugs the rest of the year.
2026 Income Limits
- Individual: approximately $23,475/year
- Married couple: approximately $31,725/year
If you already receive Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program, you're automatically enrolled — no separate application needed.
Minnesota-Specific Resources
The Minnesota Drug Card is a discount coupon, not insurance and not a Medicare program — Minnesota Drug Card's own site states plainly that it is not a Medicare prescription drug plan and not government-run or affiliated. Like the other discount cards on this page, any amount you pay using it does NOT count toward your Part D deductible or your $2,100 out-of-pocket maximum, even though it can beat your plan's copay on some drugs. Compare the price both ways before using it.
Free statewide discount card for Minnesota residents. No eligibility requirements, no personal information needed. Average savings around 30%, up to 80% on some medications. Accepted at over 68,000 pharmacies. Call 1-888-952-8376 for help.
Prescription Discount Cards
These are cash-discount tools — they can lower what you pay at the pharmacy, but savings do not count toward your Part D out-of-pocket maximum. Research each to find what works best for your specific medications.
Important Note
If you use an alternative discount program to reduce your cost, it will NOT count towards your $2,100 out-of-pocket maximum under Part D. Do your research — there is not one solution that fits all situations.
Mark Cuban's pharmacy offering transparent, low-cost generic and brand-name drugs.
Free prescription discount program.
Compare drug prices and find coupons at pharmacies near you.
Free prescription savings card accepted at most pharmacies.
Prescription savings card with discounts at major pharmacy chains.
Federal prescription drug discount program.
Free drug discount card for savings at thousands of pharmacies.
Free or Reduced-Cost Drugs Through Assistance Programs
These work differently than discount cards — instead of a percentage off, they can get you a specific medication free or nearly free, usually based on income.
Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
Many drug manufacturers offer free or low-cost brand-name medications directly to people who qualify based on income. Search by drug name or manufacturer at NeedyMeds.org or RxAssist.org — both are established nonprofit directories, not sales sites.
Charitable Copay Foundations
HealthWell Foundation and the PAN Foundation help already-insured patients — including Medicare Part D enrollees — cover high copays on specialty medications for specific conditions.
Medicare Beneficiaries: Manufacturer Coupons Are Not Allowed
Medicare beneficiaries are legally prohibited from using manufacturer copay coupons directly — federal anti-kickback law blocks this for Medicare specifically, even though these coupons are common and legal for people with private insurance. Independent charitable foundations like HealthWell and PAN are structured to be Medicare-compliant because they operate independently of the drug manufacturers who fund them. If a client asks about a manufacturer coupon they saw advertised, the answer for a Medicare beneficiary is generally no — but a charitable foundation covering the same drug may be a legitimate yes.
Need Help Comparing Your Options?
Fred can help you compare your current Part D plan against alternatives and find the most cost-effective approach for your specific medications. Call 763.292.9837 for a free consultation.