At MP Group, we are always looking for ways to help our clients manage and reduce their healthcare expenses.
In recent years, healthcare costs have escalated at a rapid pace, with prescription drug spending accounting for an increasing share of total healthcare expenditures. In 2025 alone, Medicare Part D expenditures increased by 11% to $141 billion, net of premiums paid by enrollees. With costs continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to control your out-of-pocket prescription expenses.
While Part D plans have improved coverage by eliminating the coverage gap (“donut hole”) and adding a maximum out-of-pocket limit, some medications can still be expensive, especially if they are not well covered under your specific plan.
Below are several strategies that may help lower your prescription costs.
Use a Preferred Pharmacy
When you enroll in a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan that includes prescription drug coverage, your plan will designate preferred and in-network pharmacies.
Using a preferred pharmacy typically results in lower copayments and coinsurance. Common preferred pharmacies often include national chains such as CVS, Walmart, Walgreens and many regional grocery store pharmacies.
Local independent pharmacies may not always be listed as preferred; however, that does not mean their pricing is uncompetitive. In some cases, they may still offer favorable pricing on certain medications.
Consider Mail-Order Pharmacy Options
All Medicare Part C and Part D plans are required to offer mail-order pharmacy services.
Mail orders can:
- Reduce out-of-pocket costs for certain medications
- Provide added convenience by delivering prescriptions directly to your home
To learn more, contact your plan provider and ask about mail-order pricing for your specific medications.
Options Outside of Your Insurance Plan
In recent years, a growing number of companies have emerged to help consumers save money on prescription medications. These are non-insurance options and must be used instead of, not alongside, your prescription drug plan.
When visiting your pharmacy, you can ask the pharmacist to compare prices using these programs. If researching from home, you can visit the websites below to check medication pricing.
Prescription Discount Programs
- GoodRX – www.goodrx.com
- Single Care – www.singlecare.com
- Blink Health – www.blinkrx.com
- Optum Perks – www.optum.com
- WellRX – www.wellrx.com
Company-Sponsored Discount Cards
Many large retailers also offer their own prescription discount programs, including:
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Costco
- Walmart
- Harris Teeter
- Kroger
These programs may provide additional savings on select medications.
Mail-Order Prescription Services
- Cost Plus Drugs – www.costplusdrugs.com.
Founded by Mark Cuban, this mail-order pharmacy focuses primarily on generic medications and operates without insurance.
- Amazon Pharmacy – www.pharmacy.amazon.com
Offers a wide range of brand-name and generic medications through mail order.
Saving even a few dollars on each prescription refill can add up to significant annual savings.
When you work with MP Group, you’ll always know more and stress less about your Medicare benefits.
