Episode
Cash, Coupons, or Insurance? Choose the Cheapest Option
- Podcast
- Speak Up For Your Health
- Published
- Dec 5, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 1710
- Processing state
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Summary
Would you rather pay $1000 for your prescription - or $5? In this conversation, Miriam Paramore, CEO of RxUtility, talks about her personal experiences with healthcare costs and the challenges of medication affordability. She explains how to figure out whether using insurance, combining insurance with a manufacturer copay coupon, or simply paying cash will give you the lowest price for your prescription. Key Takeaways: Start with generics always. Generics are typically the most affordable medication option. Ask your doctor for the generic version of the medication they're recommending. If there isn't one, ask them to prescribe a therapeutic equivalent. This is a drug that's chemically different, but in the same class and works in a similar way. Do your homework BEFORE you go to the pharmacy. Regardless of whether your prescription is for a generic or brand name drug, take 10 minutes before you get to the pharmacy counter to figure out whether paying cash or using insurance will be cheaper. Steps to take: Check the app you use for all your health information and navigate to the "Pharmacy", "Prescriptions", or "Medication" section to see if there is the option of comparing prices. Look up the cash price on a site like GoodRx or WellRx. These sites show you the discounted cash price at local pharmacies and sometimes that price is lower than using insurance. If you decide to use your insurance for a brand name drug, check for a manufacturer copay coupon by typing into Google: [drug name} + "manufacturer copay coupon". Use link that goes directly to the manufacturer and look for a tab labeled "Savings", "Support", or "Patient Assistance." If you don't find anything online, call the manufacturer at their 1-800-NUMBER and ask whether they offer a copay program for your specif…