What the AARP Prescription Discount Card Does

The AARP Prescription Discount Card is a free card that gives you discounts on medications at participating pharmacies. You don't need insurance, membership fees, or a prescription to use it — you straightforward present the card when you fill a prescription and the pharmacy applies the discount at checkout. The card works at most major chains including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Kroger pharmacies, as well as many independent pharmacies.

The discounts vary by medication and pharmacy. Some drugs might be discounted 10 percent, others 50 percent or more. You pay the discounted price directly — there are no claims to file, no waiting periods, and no paperwork beyond showing the card. If you're already on Medicare or have other insurance, you can still use the AARP card if the discount is better than what your plan covers.

Key Takeaways

  • The AARP Prescription Discount Card is free and requires no membership, insurance, or enrollment — you can start using it when ready after requesting one.
  • Discounts range widely by medication and pharmacy, so it's worth checking the price for your specific drugs before assuming the card will help.
  • You can use the card alongside Medicare or other insurance if the discount beats what your plan would charge you out of pocket.
  • The card works at most major pharmacy chains and many independent pharmacies, but you should confirm your pharmacy participates before relying on it.

How to Get and Use the Card

You can request the AARP Prescription Discount Card online at aarp.org/prescriptiondiscounts or by calling 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). You don't have to be an AARP member. The card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days, though you can also use a digital version on your phone or print a temporary card when ready after requesting one.

To use it, bring the card (or show the digital version) to the pharmacy counter when you fill a prescription. Tell the pharmacist you want to use the AARP discount. The pharmacy looks up the price in their system, applies the discount, and you pay at checkout. There's no separate process — it works like any other discount card.

Checking Prices Before You Fill

Discounts vary significantly by medication and location. A drug that's discounted 40 percent at one pharmacy might be discounted only 10 percent at another, or the price might be lower without any discount at all. Before you fill a prescription, check what the card will cost you at your pharmacy.

You can search specific medications on the AARP website by entering the drug name, strength, and quantity. The site shows you the discounted price at pharmacies near you. You can also call your pharmacy directly and give them the card number to ask what the discounted price would be. This takes five minutes and can save you real money — sometimes the card isn't the best deal, and you should know that before you commit.

When the AARP Card Works Better Than Insurance

If you have Medicare or private insurance, you might pay less with the AARP card than with your plan's copay or coinsurance. This happens most often with generic medications or drugs that aren't on your plan's formulary (the list of covered drugs). Compare the card price to what your insurance would charge you, and use whichever is lower.

Some people use the card for medications their insurance doesn't cover at all, or for prescriptions they're filling before their insurance deductible kicks in. Others use it for over-the-counter medications that insurance doesn't cover. The card has no annual limit, so you can use it as many times as you need throughout the year.

Pharmacies That Accept the Card

The AARP Prescription Discount Card works at more than 65,000 pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Rite Aid, and many independent pharmacies. However, not every location of every chain participates, and participation can change. Before you rely on the card at a new pharmacy, confirm they accept it.

You can check the AARP website to see which pharmacies near you participate, or call your pharmacy directly and ask if they accept the AARP Prescription Discount Card. If your regular pharmacy doesn't participate, you may be able to transfer your prescription to one that does, or you can ask your pharmacy if they can match or beat the AARP price.

Limitations and What the Card Doesn't Cover

The AARP card does not cover brand-name drugs that have a generic equivalent available, unless you pay extra for the brand name. It also doesn't cover controlled substances like opioids or benzodiazepines. Some specialty medications and injectables may not be discounted either.

The card is a discount program, not insurance. It doesn't count toward your deductible, doesn't provide coverage limits, and doesn't help with other pharmacy services like vaccines or medical equipment. If you need those services covered, you'll need insurance or to pay out of pocket. The card is best used as a backup option when insurance doesn't cover a drug or when the discount beats your copay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to use the card?

No. The AARP Prescription Discount Card is free and open to anyone, regardless of AARP membership status. You don't pay any fees or sign up for anything — you just request the card and use it at the pharmacy.

Can I use the AARP card if I'm on Medicare?

Yes. You can use the card alongside Medicare Part D or any other insurance if the discount is better than what your plan charges. Compare the card price to your copay or coinsurance before you fill the prescription, and use whichever costs less.

What if my pharmacy doesn't participate?

You can ask your pharmacy if they'll match or beat the AARP price, or you can transfer your prescription to a participating pharmacy nearby. Check the AARP website to find participating pharmacies in your area, or call ahead to confirm before making the trip.

How long does it take to get the card?

The physical card arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. You can use a digital version on your phone or print a temporary card when ready after requesting one online, so you don't have to wait to start saving.

Does the card work for over-the-counter medications?

The AARP card is designed for prescription medications. Over-the-counter drugs are not typically discounted through the program, though some pharmacies may offer their own discounts on OTC items.