CVS works with patients to achieve savings

Editor’s Note: This story provides additional context to the September 2023 cover story, “In the Cards,” which readers can find here.

While CVS Pharmacy accepts most third-party discount cards, the retailer said it also seeks to find other avenues for saving money on their prescriptions, a CVS spokesperson said.

“Patients can search for discounts on CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app, or they can ask their pharmacist to perform a savings review at any time,” they said. “Using our digital tools, CVS Pharmacy patients can get a comprehensive look at savings across the board which accounts for many scenarios and looks at a wide range of savings options.”

[Read more: In the cards]

The company said it leverages the clinical expertise of its pharmacy teams to conduct custom savings reviews, with each patient’s medical and cost history in mind. Following are some examples of savings opportunities:

Generic medications and therapeutic alternatives, as well as other alternatives that are commonly used to treat similar conditions; Manufacturer coupons, which can often be used with insurance to lower out-of-pocket costs; Patients with chronic conditions that necessitate long-term use of a medication may be able to save money by filling a 90-day prescription instead of the standard 30-day prescription; The Pharmacy & Health Rewards available through CVS’s ExtraCare loyalty program allows patients to earn credits for filling prescriptions, getting vaccinations and more.

[Read more: Why discount cards are challenging for independent pharmacies]

“While CVS Pharmacy does provide visibility into third-party discount card savings options for patients, we recognize this type of savings alone may not meet every patient’s needs due to the complexities of health care costs,” the CVS spokesperson said. “At the end of the day, CVS Pharmacy works with patients to provide them access and visibility to their full range of savings levers."