Express Scripts launches discount drug service

ST. LOUIS — Express Scripts on Monday launched Inside Rx, a new, partially owned subsidiary that applies Express Scripts' purchasing power to expand affordable access to brand and generic medications for patients in need. According to Express Scripts, Inside Rx has partnered with GoodRx to deliver average savings of 34% on prescription medications for the uninsured and those who experience high out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.

Patients can visit www.goodrx/brand or download the GoodRx mobile app to instantly access significant savings for more than 40 popular brand name drugs that treat diabetes, asthma, heart disease, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, gout, and other common illnesses. Eligible patients simply present the discount via card or mobile app at one of 40,000 pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, the Kroger Family of Pharmacies and Walgreens. There are no membership fees or costs to obtain savings.

"We have a unique opportunity to put medicine within reach of those who need it. By practicing pharmacy smarter, we are bringing together companies across healthcare to truly deliver value," said Express Scripts president and CEO Tim Wentworth. "We are proud to power a novel solution that makes brand-name medicines more affordable and accessible, particularly for people without prescription coverage."

The program represents a cross-industry collaboration among Inside Rx, GoodRx, participating retail pharmacies, and major pharmaceutical companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Lundbeck, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals. 

"The GoodRx / Inside Rx program is a simple and effective way to help millions of Americans who struggle to afford their prescriptions," said Doug Hirsch, co-founder and co-CEO of GoodRx. "GoodRx is proud to partner with Inside Rx to reduce the cost of diabetes, asthma and other important drugs that patients need."

"We are pleased to participate in Express Scripts' new program that will play an important role in helping under-insured and uninsured patients receive the medicines they need at a price they can afford," said Brad Fluegel, SVP, chief healthcare commercial market development officer, Walgreens.

"Kroger is excited to partner with Express Scripts on this new program that creates affordability and expands access to medications for many of our patients," said Colleen Lindholz, president of pharmacy and The Little Clinic, The Kroger Co.

Inside Rx is not insurance, and is not available to members enrolled in government-sponsored health programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare.