NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast How to Pay Less for Your Prescriptions and Brace for a Health Insurance Shake-Up
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Aug 18, 2025 Join Dan Weissmann, host of NPR's An Arm and a Leg, and Kate Ashford, personal finance Nerd, as they tackle the challenge of rising prescription costs and the impact of potential health insurance changes. Discover practical tips for comparing pharmacy prices and utilizing discount programs like GoodRx. The duo also explores how expiring tax credits from the ACA could affect premiums, urging listeners to prepare for open enrollment while highlighting the risks of going uninsured. It's an insightful discussion packed with valuable strategies to navigate the healthcare landscape!
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Why U.S. Drugs Cost So Much
- U.S. prescription pricing is driven by consolidated pharma companies and pharmacy benefit managers focused on profit, not patient cost.
- Dan Weissmann explains this market structure creates opaque pricing and incentives that don't prioritize affordability.
Check Insurance And Coupons At Pickup
- Ask the pharmacist to rerun your insurance and check for manufacturer coupons before paying at the counter.
- Compare prices with GoodRx or other discount sites and try a different pharmacy if the cash price is cheaper.
Use Mail-Order And Compare Prices
- Use mail-order services like Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs for many generics, especially if you take multiple medications.
- Build a simple spreadsheet to compare cash, coupon, and insurance prices across pharmacies and services.