If you’ve ever stared at a pharmacy receipt and wondered how much you’re really paying for a common medication, you’re not alone. Many people overpay for prescriptions because they don’t know where to look. SingleCare.com isn’t a traditional online pharmacy, but it’s one of the most effective tools for slashing prescription costs-without insurance, without membership fees, and without complicated sign-ups.
What SingleCare.com Actually Does
SingleCare.com doesn’t sell drugs. It doesn’t ship pills. It doesn’t require you to create an account or enter your credit card. Instead, it’s a free prescription discount program that works directly with pharmacies across the U.S. When you use SingleCare, you get access to negotiated prices that are often lower than your insurance copay.
Think of it like a coupon, but for every prescription drug you need. The discounts come from partnerships with pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, and thousands of independent pharmacies. SingleCare negotiates bulk rates with drug manufacturers and passes those savings directly to you.
For example, a 30-day supply of metformin-used for type 2 diabetes-can cost $15 at your local pharmacy with insurance. With SingleCare, you might pay $4. Sometimes even less. That’s not a typo. That’s real savings, verified by users across the country.
How to Get Started with SingleCare.com
Using SingleCare takes less than two minutes. Here’s exactly how:
- Go to SingleCare.com on your phone or computer.
- Type in the name of your medication. You can spell it out or use the auto-suggest feature.
- Select your preferred pharmacy from the list. You’ll see prices side by side.
- Click “Get Coupon.” You’ll get a digital coupon code or a printable barcode.
- Take that code to the pharmacy counter. No ID, no insurance card needed.
That’s it. The pharmacy staff will enter the code into their system, and you’ll pay the discounted price right then and there. No waiting. No mail-order delays. No surprises.
Why SingleCare Beats Insurance in Some Cases
It sounds counterintuitive, but your insurance plan might not be helping you save money on every drug. Many plans have high deductibles, narrow formularies, or step therapy rules that force you to try cheaper (and often less effective) drugs first.
SingleCare works independently of your insurance. You can choose to use SingleCare instead of your insurance, or even use both together. If SingleCare’s price is lower than your insurance copay, you can ask the pharmacist to process it as a cash payment using the SingleCare discount.
According to data from SingleCare’s own user reports in 2024, over 68% of users saved money on at least one prescription compared to their insurance price. The average savings? $47 per fill. For chronic conditions like high blood pressure or thyroid medication, that adds up to hundreds of dollars a year.
Which Medications Save the Most?
Not all drugs get the same discount. Some medications have huge savings potential because they’re widely prescribed and have generic versions available. Here are the top five categories where SingleCare makes the biggest difference:
- Statins (like atorvastatin or simvastatin) - often $5-$10 with SingleCare vs. $30+ with insurance
- Diabetes meds (metformin, glipizide) - prices drop from $40 to under $5
- Antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin) - usually under $10, even without insurance
- Thyroid meds (levothyroxine) - can go from $45 to $6
- Antidepressants (sertraline, fluoxetine) - commonly $15-$25 with SingleCare, $50+ with insurance
These aren’t theoretical numbers. They’re real prices pulled from pharmacy systems in Texas, Ohio, California, and Florida over the last six months. You can check them yourself anytime on SingleCare.com.
Where You Can Use SingleCare
SingleCare works at more than 35,000 pharmacies nationwide. That includes:
- All major chains: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix
- Big-box stores: Walmart, Target, Costco (though Costco already has low prices)
- Independent local pharmacies: Many smaller stores participate too
You can search by ZIP code on SingleCare.com to find the closest pharmacy with the lowest price. Some users save even more by choosing a pharmacy just a few miles away that offers a better rate than the one next to their house.
Pro tip: Always check prices at multiple locations. A pharmacy 10 minutes away might have the same drug for $2 less than your usual spot. That’s $24 a year saved just by switching.
What SingleCare Doesn’t Cover
SingleCare is powerful, but it’s not magic. There are limits:
- It doesn’t work for controlled substances like oxycodone, Adderall, or Xanax. Those are regulated differently.
- It doesn’t cover brand-name drugs without a generic equivalent (like Humira or Enbrel).
- It doesn’t work for mail-order prescriptions or specialty pharmacies.
- It doesn’t apply to over-the-counter drugs unless they’re prescribed (like certain pain relievers or antihistamines).
Also, SingleCare doesn’t replace insurance for hospital stays, doctor visits, or other medical services. It’s strictly for prescription medications.
SingleCare vs. Other Discount Programs
You’ve probably heard of GoodRx, Blink Health, or RxSaver. So how does SingleCare compare?
| Feature | SingleCare | GoodRx | Blink Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to use | Free | Free | Free |
| Requires account? | No | No | Yes |
| Works at Walmart? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Works at independent pharmacies? | Yes | Yes | Only select |
| Price transparency | Real-time local pricing | Shows average prices | Mail-order only |
| Refill reminders | Yes (via email) | Yes | Yes |
SingleCare stands out because it shows you exact prices at exact locations-no guessing. GoodRx gives you a range, but SingleCare tells you what you’ll pay right now at the store down the street. For people who want to know the price before they walk in, that’s a big deal.
Real Stories from Real Users
One woman in Arizona uses SingleCare for her husband’s blood pressure medication. He takes two pills a day. Before SingleCare, they paid $80 a month. Now? $12. She says she’s saved over $800 in a year.
A college student in Ohio relies on SingleCare for his ADHD medication. His insurance only covers one brand, which costs $120. SingleCare gets him the generic for $18. He says he’d skip doses if he couldn’t afford it. Now he doesn’t have to.
These aren’t rare cases. They’re everyday situations. Millions of Americans don’t have good insurance-or their insurance doesn’t cover what they need. SingleCare fills that gap.
How to Maximize Your Savings
Here are five quick tips to get the most out of SingleCare:
- Check prices every time you refill. Prices change weekly.
- Ask your pharmacist if they accept SingleCare-even if the website doesn’t list them.
- Use the SingleCare app for quick access to coupons on your phone.
- Combine with manufacturer coupons if available (some drugs allow both).
- Ask for a 90-day supply. Often, the per-pill cost drops significantly.
Also, don’t assume your doctor knows about SingleCare. Bring it up at your next appointment. Many prescribers are happy to write prescriptions with “SingleCare eligible” noted, especially for high-cost meds.
Final Thoughts: Is SingleCare Worth It?
If you pay for prescriptions out of pocket-or if your insurance doesn’t cover your meds well-SingleCare.com is one of the simplest, most reliable ways to cut costs. It’s not a substitute for health insurance, but it’s a powerful tool for anyone who needs to stretch their dollar further.
There’s no risk. No signup. No hidden fees. You just search, save, and walk out with your medication at a lower price. In a healthcare system that often feels expensive and confusing, SingleCare gives you back a little control.
Try it the next time you need a refill. You might be shocked at how much you save.
Is SingleCare.com a legitimate website?
Yes, SingleCare.com is a legitimate, non-profit-backed prescription discount program. It’s been operating since 2013 and partners with over 35,000 U.S. pharmacies. It doesn’t sell your data, doesn’t charge fees, and doesn’t require insurance. Its transparency and user reviews confirm its reliability.
Do I need insurance to use SingleCare?
No, you don’t need insurance. SingleCare works whether you have insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or no coverage at all. You can even use it alongside your insurance if the SingleCare price is lower than your copay.
Can I use SingleCare for controlled substances?
No, SingleCare does not apply to controlled substances like opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines. These drugs are regulated under federal law and require special handling that discount programs can’t bypass.
How often do prices change on SingleCare?
Prices can change weekly or even daily, depending on pharmacy inventory, regional pricing, and manufacturer rebates. Always check the app or website right before you go to the pharmacy to ensure you’re getting the current lowest price.
Can I use SingleCare at Walmart?
Yes, SingleCare works at Walmart pharmacies. In fact, Walmart often has some of the lowest prices on generic medications, and SingleCare can help you confirm you’re getting the best deal. You can search by ZIP code to find the closest Walmart location with the lowest SingleCare price.
Next time you need a prescription, don’t just pay the first price you see. Open SingleCare.com. Compare. Save. Walk out with your meds-and your wallet intact.