GoodRx Cost-Plus: Independent Pharmacy Pricing
- GoodRx, the prescription savings company, has introduced GoodRx Community Link, a new initiative providing a cost-plus pricing model for independent pharmacies.
- Aaron Crittenden, president of Rx Marketplace at GoodRx, explained that this direct contracting model fosters transparency and better margins for pharmacy partners.
- As an example, Crittenden illustrated, a drug with a NADAC cost of $10, a dispense fee of $10, and an admin fee of $5 would cost the patient...
GoodRx Community Link is revolutionizing prescription savings. This exciting initiative from GoodRx offers independent pharmacies a cost-plus pricing model, giving them direct control and bypassing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Pharmacies gain access to reduced prices on brand medications, with potential savings on crucial drugs. The Integrated Savings Program further benefits members. Aaron Crittenden from GoodRx explains how Community Link tackles independent pharmacies’ challenges in an evolving market. This allows these pharmacies to better manage pricing while consumers enjoy low medication costs. For those eager to stay on top of the latest healthcare insights, News Directory 3 is your go-to source. Discover what’s next for affordable prescriptions.
GoodRx Launches Community Link for Independent Pharmacies
Updated June 10, 2025
GoodRx, the prescription savings company, has introduced GoodRx Community Link, a new initiative providing a cost-plus pricing model for independent pharmacies. this program enables these pharmacies to contract directly with goodrx, cutting out pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
Aaron Crittenden, president of Rx Marketplace at GoodRx, explained that this direct contracting model fosters transparency and better margins for pharmacy partners. The pricing structure involves adding a fixed amount to the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), along with dispensing and administrative fees.
As an example, Crittenden illustrated, a drug with a NADAC cost of $10, a dispense fee of $10, and an admin fee of $5 would cost the patient $25. He clarified that the admin fee is collected at the point of sale and not paid by the pharmacy.The program is exclusively for self-paying customers and cannot be combined with insurance.
Community Link also expands access to over 90 brand medication deals, where manufacturers reduce the price of medications through GoodRx. These include insulin Lantus, a Humira biosimilar, and medical devices like Dexcom.
Pharmacies entering a direct contract with GoodRx can also opt into the Integrated Savings Program. This program integrates GoodRx cash prices into members’ funded benefit plans through partnerships with CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, MedImpact, and Navitus. However, independent pharmacies will be automatically opted out starting July 1.
The impetus behind Community Link, according to Crittenden, is to address the challenges independent pharmacies face with complex reimbursement models and competitive pressures. A report by the National Community Pharmacists Association highlights that pharmacies are often reimbursed below drug acquisition and dispensing costs.
“Our goal is to help independent pharmacies better manage pricing while continuing to provide consumers with low prices on their medications,” Crittenden said.
Crittenden added that GoodRx aims to strengthen relationships with independent pharmacies, positioning itself as a trusted partner in addressing industry challenges.The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company also employs a cost-plus model, adding a 15% markup, labor, and shipping fees to the manufacturing cost of drugs.
What’s next
GoodRx plans to expand the Community Link program, aiming to onboard more independent pharmacies and broaden the range of medications and services offered through the platform. This initiative seeks to provide sustainable solutions for pharmacies while ensuring affordable medication access for consumers.