The list of medications on TrumpRx has expanded significantly: what, how, and how much you can buy there
The TrumpRx platform was launched by the Trump administration in early February as part of its efforts to lower prescription drug costs. The site allows users to search for medications at reduced prices, according to Yahoo!
Photo: lain Lacroix | Dreamstime.com
In his annual State of the Union address, Trump declared, "For decades, Americans have paid more for prescription drugs than anywhere else in the world. Now they will pay the lowest price—lower than any other country."
However, in practice, not everyone can afford affordable medications. Here's how the program works and in which cases it can really help.
On the subject: 6 ways to save money on prescription drugs
What is TrumpRx?
TrumpRx is a government-run website offering discounted brand-name medications, including weight-loss medications, fertility treatments, and inhalers. Discounts are available for those who pay for their medications out-of-pocket, without insurance.
At the program's launch, five pharmaceutical companies participated: AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer. Authorities promised to expand the list, and now Trump is talking about adding over 600 affordable generics. He says this should give users a single tool for finding the lowest price.
You can't purchase medications directly through TrumpRx. To receive a discount, you must either print out the coupon and present it at a partner pharmacy, or go to the manufacturer's website and complete the purchase there.
For example, for the drug Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, you can download a coupon and use it at the pharmacy. For Xigduo XR, which is used for type 2 diabetes, the user is redirected to the AstraZeneca Direct portal and receives the discount there.
The service makes it easier to find discounts, but as the KFF think tank notes, many of these offers are already available directly on manufacturers' websites for those paying out of pocket.
How does this relate to insurance?
TrumpRx is designed for people without insurance. If you purchase medications through insurance, you won't be able to take advantage of the program's discounts.
Theoretically, you can opt out of insurance coverage and pay cash at a discount, but this isn't always advantageous. The website itself recommends checking the insurance premium first: in many cases, it's lower.
"Almost all medications on the TrumpRx list are typically covered by insurance," says Michelle Long of KFF. "Your copay or cost-sharing may be lower than the coupon price."
Participants in government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and others are also ineligible for TrumpRx discounts. This includes programs such as Medigap, the Veterans Affairs system, the Pentagon, and TRICARE, as well as other federal and state support programs.
A prescription is still required: the website doesn't prescribe medications. The doctor sends the prescription to the pharmacy, where it can be paid with a discount.
When a program is really useful
TrumpRx may be especially useful for people without insurance who are taking expensive brand-name medications.
For example, if a person is temporarily unemployed and uninsured but cannot interrupt treatment, or if insurance does not cover a specific medication.
Experts also highlight GLP-1 medications and infertility medications. Even for insured patients, these are often not covered, and discounts can lead to real savings.
Trump claims that the difference in drug prices between the US and other countries reaches 300–600%. However, actual discounts on the website range from 33% to 93%, most often around 50%.
Edition Forbes A month ago, it released a list of medications that were available at a discount immediately after the program's launch. We're providing a partial list so you can appreciate the price difference:
- Ngenla: Current price in pharmacies: $4,434.20; TrumpRx price: $2,217.10
- Rybelsus: Current price in pharmacies is $1,349.02; TrumpRx price is $149
- Wegovy Pen: Current price in pharmacies: $1,349.02; TrumpRx price: $199
- Ozempic Pen: Current price at pharmacies: $1,027.51; TrumpRx price: $199
- Gonal-f: Current price in pharmacies: $966,04; TrumpRx price: $168
- Zepbound: Current price in pharmacies: $1,087; TrumpRx price: $299
- Xeljanz: Current price in pharmacies: $2,277.43; TrumpRx price: $1518,30
- Eucrisa: Current price in pharmacies: $792,40; TrumpRx price: $158,48
- Viracept: Current price at pharmacies: $1,214.40; TrumpRx price: $607,20
- Zavzpret: Current price in pharmacies is $1,189.65; TrumpRx price is $594,83
- Cortef: Current price in pharmacies: $91,80; TrumpRx price: $45,90
- Lopid: Current price at pharmacies: $79,20; TrumpRx price: $39,60
- Cleocin: Current price at pharmacies: $73,12; TrumpRx price: $36,56
- Levoxyl: Current price in pharmacies: $72; TrumpRx price: $36
- Diflucan: Current price at pharmacies: $28,12; TrumpRx price: $14,06
Are there any alternatives?
The fact remains: Americans pay more for medications than people in other countries.
If you're taking a brand-name drug, it's a good idea to check if it's on TrumpRx's list and how much the price compares to the current one.
Moreover, many medications have generic versions that can be cheaper even without a discount. Experts note that the website lacks a clear warning about this, although it would be helpful.
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Additionally, similar or better deals can be found on other platforms, including GoodRx, SingleCare, Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs, and America's Pharmacy. They offer not only brand-name medications but also a wide selection of generics.
The main advice experts give is to compare options. As with insurance plans, it's best to look at all available options: both cash payment and insurance coverage.
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