health
That discount at the pharmacy counter may pack hidden costs
May 7, 2026 / 5:00 AM EDT / KFF Health News
TL;DR
- Manufacturer drug coupons offer consumers short-term savings, often encouraging brand-name drug use over generics.
- For uninsured individuals, coupons and platforms like TrumpRx can provide significant cost reductions.
- People with commercial insurance face complexities, as coupon value may not count towards deductibles, and insurers may use copay accumulators or maximizers.
- Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are prohibited from using manufacturer-sponsored coupons due to federal anti-kickback laws.
- Some states restrict coupon use when a generic alternative is available.