AARP Prescription Discounts at CVS
While you can't simply flash your standard AARP membership card at the CVS checkout counter for a general discount, AARP has a valuable partnership that provides a free prescription discount card. This program, administered by Optum Rx, is available to everyone, but AARP members receive even deeper discounts on FDA-approved medications at participating pharmacies nationwide, including CVS. It's an essential tool for managing healthcare costs, especially for those with high deductibles or medications not covered by their insurance.
How the AARP Rx Discount Program Works
The prescription discount program is a completely separate benefit from your general membership card. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to take advantage of it at CVS:
- Access Your Card: You can get your free Rx discount card online through the AARP website. It’s digital, easy to access, and doesn't expire.
- Compare Prices: Before heading to the pharmacy, it's wise to use the program's online tool or app to check prices for your specific medication at CVS and other participating pharmacies. This helps you ensure you are getting the best deal.
- Present at the Pharmacy: When you drop off or pick up your prescription, present the AARP Prescription Discount card to the CVS pharmacist. They will process it to show you the discounted price.
- Choose Your Best Price: If you have existing insurance (including Medicare Part D), the pharmacist can compare the price using the AARP discount card versus your insurance plan. You can then choose whichever option offers the lower cost. It is important to remember that you cannot combine the two—you must use one or the other.
Comparing AARP Rx Discount with Insurance and ExtraCare
To make an informed decision, it is helpful to compare how the AARP prescription discount stacks up against other options.
| Feature | AARP Prescription Discount (Optum Rx) | Medicare Part D | CVS ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | All FDA-approved medications; anyone can use it, but AARP members save more. | Covered medications determined by your plan's formulary. | Rewards earned on CVS purchases, not direct prescription discounts. |
| Compatibility | Cannot be used in conjunction with Medicare Part D. | Standard insurance coverage; can’t be combined with discount cards. | Provides ExtraBucks for front-store purchases, not prescriptions. |
| Benefit Type | Direct discount on prescription medication at the time of purchase. | Helps cover prescription costs, contributing towards your annual out-of-pocket spending. | Earns you credit toward future ExtraBucks rewards on eligible purchases. |
| Enrollment | Free online enrollment, separate from AARP membership. | Requires enrollment in a specific Medicare plan. | Free sign-up via CVS website or in-store. |
| Primary Use | Best for uninsured, underinsured, or to find a lower price than your copay. | Designed to cover a comprehensive list of medications with fixed copays. | Earns you rewards on most non-prescription items throughout the store. |
Maximizing Savings Beyond Prescriptions
Your AARP benefits extend beyond the pharmacy counter, offering ways to save on other items found at CVS.
AARP Rewards
The AARP Rewards program is a free loyalty program that lets you earn points for activities like playing online games, taking health quizzes, and linking a fitness tracker. These points can be redeemed for discounted gift cards from various retailers, including CVS Pharmacy. Members earn 50% more points on these activities, making it easier to accumulate rewards faster. Using a discounted CVS gift card is a great way to save money on your out-of-pocket pharmacy expenses or on general merchandise.
Leveraging CVS ExtraCare Programs
In addition to any AARP-related benefits, you can maximize your savings by combining them with CVS's own rewards programs.
- CVS ExtraCare Card: Sign up for this free card to receive 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on eligible purchases, personalized coupons, and instant savings.
- ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards: Earn ExtraBucks Rewards for every 10 prescriptions you fill, plus get bonus ExtraBucks for activities like flu shots and adding family members to your account.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Your Discounts
- Always Compare: Don't assume the AARP Rx discount is always the lowest price. For every prescription fill, ask the pharmacist to run both your insurance and the AARP discount card to see which offers the best price.
- Combine Programs Carefully: While you can't combine a discount card with insurance on a single prescription, you can use a discounted CVS gift card (purchased with AARP Rewards points) to pay for an insurance copay or other store items.
- Stay Informed: The landscape of retail partnerships and discounts can change, so regularly check the AARP website for the latest benefit offerings. An authoritative source for up-to-date AARP benefits is the AARP website.
Conclusion: Strategic Saving at CVS with AARP
In summary, while you cannot simply present your AARP membership card for a store-wide discount at CVS, you can still unlock significant savings through strategic use of AARP benefits. The most direct and powerful tool is the AARP Prescription Discounts program provided by Optum Rx, which can substantially lower your out-of-pocket costs on medication. Coupled with the ability to earn and redeem AARP Rewards for CVS gift cards and by maximizing CVS's native ExtraCare programs, AARP membership offers multiple pathways to save on health and wellness items. Being an informed consumer and actively using these combined resources will ensure you get the most value from every visit to CVS.
