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Costs and Savings

Here’s How the Walmart $4 Prescriptions Program Works and Which Medications Are Included

Ellie Riley
Written by Ellie Riley
Updated on November 4, 2019
Dollar bills, coins, and pills

Not having insurance when you need a life-saving medication can be stressful. Luckily, there are a lot of different ways to save. In fact, many large retail pharmacies offer their own solution. Pharmacy savings programs have been around for over 10 years, and during that time they have helped many patients afford the medications they need.

The Walmart $4 Prescriptions Program may be the most well-known of these programs. While the medications on the program’s list do change occasionally, the program itself is still going strong. Scroll down for the full, current list of included medications.

What is the Walmart $4 list?

The Walmart $4 Prescriptions program requires no membership, no fee, and no insurance, and offers patients discounted medications in 30-day and 90-day supplies. Often referred to as “Walmart’s $4 generic list,” the program includes nearly 100 different generic medications from between $4 and $40.

Remember that your healthcare provider has to prescribe you one of these generics for you to be able to take advantage of these savings. Speak with them about your options, and ask them to opt for generic when possible.

Does the program have restrictions?

Walmart’s program does have some restrictions. It’s important to be aware of these—and the possibility that your medication could be removed from the list at any time—before asking your healthcare providers to make any changes to your prescriptions.

  1. Pricing may depend on where you live. In the fine print, Walmart notes that prices of some of the drugs included on the list may be higher in some states, “including, but not necessarily limited to, CA and MN.” If you’re unsure if your state may have different pricing, call the pharmacy ahead of time to check.

  2. North Dakota is not included. Walmart $4 Prescription program is available at all Walmart retail pharmacies except for those located in North Dakota.

  3. Your prescription may not always cost $4. Though it’s explicitly advertised as the “Walmart $4 Prescriptions” program, your medication may not always be $4. Certain medications are $9 for a 30-day supply, and some are $10 or $24 for a 90-day supply. Confirm your pricing before you head to the pharmacy so there’s no confusion when you pick up your medication.

  4. Brand drugs aren’t covered. The program only includes generic medications.

  5. Only refills are eligible for Walmart Mail Service. If you’re filling a prescription from this list for the first time, you must pick it up in the store. Mail service is only an option for refills.

  6. It’s not always cheaper than insurance. If you have insurance, it’s definitely possible that your plan may offer you better pricing than this Walmart list. You may want to check your insurance before using this program.

  7. The program is subject to change without notice. Walmart can change this list and remove your medication at any time without warning. According to the fine print, “Changes to these Program Details may be made only in writing.” That means it’s possible you won’t know about the price change until you’re at the pharmacy picking up your prescription. Try to have a backup plan in case your medication is removed from the list. You can find other savings options in the final section of this post.

What medications are included on Walmart’s $4 list?

Scroll through to find out if your medication is on the list, or use the search command on your keyboard or browser, and type in your specific medication.

This list of included generic medications was last updated on November 18th, 2018. Walmart tends to change or update the list every few years, and we will update the list as soon as they do.

What if my medication isn’t on the list?

If your medication isn’t on this list, don’t worry—there are still plenty of options to help you save. Here are some alternatives to keep in mind:

  • Use a GoodRx coupon. GoodRx users save an average of 62% off the retail price of prescription drugs. In some cases, GoodRx coupons may even beat your insurance copay.

  • Always shop around. Many pharmacies constantly change their pricing, and prices often vary greatly from one pharmacy to the next.

  • Use a manufacturer discount. Manufacturers often offer programs to help patients save on their prescriptions or even access a prescription for free. Search for your drug on goodrx.com to find copay cards, assistance programs, and other ways to reduce your cost. 

  • Speak with your healthcare provider. If you’re having trouble affording your prescription, let your doctor or pharmacist know so you can work together to find an appropriate alternative.

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Ellie Riley
Written by:
Ellie Riley
Ellie Riley is a digital health marketing professional. Previously, she was a healthcare provider marketing director at GoodRx.

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