Tag: Pharmacy benefit managers

Demand for GLP-1 medications like Zepbound has skyrocketed, leading many to wonder about availability and access at major retail chains. It is important to understand the difference between the retail CVS Pharmacy and the insurance side, CVS Caremark, when asking, 'Is Zepbound available at CVS?'.

According to GoodRx, its coupons have helped Americans save over $20 billion on prescriptions. So, **why are drugs so much cheaper with GoodRx**? The answer lies in leveraging a complex and often opaque pharmaceutical pricing system through intermediaries known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).

A staggering percentage of Americans forgo filling their prescriptions due to cost. The rise of services like GoodRx, which offer significant discounts, has led many to ask: How does GoodRx sell drugs so cheaply? The answer lies in navigating the opaque, multi-billion-dollar world of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).

In the United States, the list price for a monthly supply of Wegovy is approximately $1,349, a stark contrast to prices in other developed nations like the United Kingdom, where it can cost as little as $92 [1.2.1, 1.3.1]. So, why is Wegovy so expensive in the United States? The answer lies in a uniquely complex web of factors.

Since the first U.S. biosimilar launch in January 2023, Humira's market has been completely reshaped [1.2.3, 1.6.4]. The introduction of over a dozen competing products is driving a major shift in treatment, so is Humira being phased out? While not discontinued, its dominance is rapidly declining.

GoodRx has reportedly helped Americans save billions on prescription costs since its founding in 2011, according to company statements. However, many users wonder, "What's the catch in using GoodRx?" as the promise of massive discounts often seems too good to be true, and for some, it might be due to privacy, insurance, and pricing complexities.

According to GoodRx, its coupon prices are better than insurance copays for 40% of the 100 most-prescribed drugs. This surprising statistic often leaves consumers wondering: why is it cheaper to use GoodRx than insurance for so many prescriptions?