On Feb. 5, a new healthcare prerogative was launched by the federal government: TrumpRx. In the midst of giant headlines and conflicts abroad, many major news media have glossed over this new business venture. For millions of Americans who struggle to afford prescription medication, the program has the potential to make a noticeable difference. Whether it represents meaningful reform or another discount option is still heavily contested among critics, but no matter what, it’s important to know what options you have as an American citizen.
TrumpRx is essentially a government-run website that allows Americans to get discounted prices on expensive medications. People can utilize this resource by visiting TrumpRX.gov and searching for any desired prescription. From the website, you can download and print out a coupon that will give you a discount on valid prescriptions when presented to a participating pharmacy. TrumpRx is able to offer these discounts using “most favored nation” (MFN) pricing. Under this concept, those who manufacture the drugs in or outside of the United States are required to sell it at the same price to everyone. If they offer one rate to a certain country, they have to match the same rate for other buyers. In theory, this prevents Americans from paying significantly more than patients abroad for the same medication
Currently, TrumpRx offers discounts on 43 name-brand medications, most of which have to do with chronic conditions. Some of the most familiar pharmaceuticals on the website are Insulin lispro, Wegovy in both oral and pen form, Ozempic, Zepbound and the fertility medication Gonal-F.
Despite the benefits, there is intense controversy surrounding TrumpRx. Many critics say that it doesn’t actually offer any new, radical solutions to the unaffordable healthcare prices in America. It’s heavily contested as to whether it’s the best discount drug website. Axios, an American news platform, found that more than half of TrumpRx drugs have a cheaper alternative. Additionally, all 43 drugs that are discounted are name-brand. Since the cost for those prescriptions are higher than generic brands, critics wonder if it would be more beneficial for patients to ask their healthcare providers about generic brands as opposed to relying on TrumpRx coupons.
There are many alternatives when finding cheap medications, some long pre-dating TrumpRx. There’s another, very similar program called GoodRX, which was founded in 2011. GoodRx is a free, ultra-popular mobile app that offers Americans up to 80 percent discounts on their prescription medication, also utilizing MFN pricing. Unlike TrumpRx, GoodRx is a private platform, separate from the government. Supporters say it’s far more comprehensive and offers discounts on cheap, generic medicine, one of TrumpRx’s biggest critiques.
In fact, we can see the physical evidence of GoodRx in our local community. In our health center at Tualatin High School, students can get a coupon for GoodRx, which they can then use on prescriptions.
“You use [a GoodRx coupon] instead of insurance. If your medicine still costs too much with whatever insurance you have, you can choose to not use your insurance and use that card instead,” Elizabeth Pruett, nurse practitioner at the TuHS School-Based Health Center said. “It’s basically contracted with medication manufacturer companies to be able to offer a coupon code for people.”
The School-Based Health Center is also a great resource for any who are skeptical of using TrumpRx or would like to get inexpensive medication.
“The health center offers birth control, mental health medication and anything else you need besides methadone and specific prescriptions,” she added.
Ultimately, TrumpRx represents a new federal attempt to improve American healthcare. However, it’s crucial for students and families to recognize that it’s only one of many options. Every situation is different; utilize resources that are available in the community to decide what’s best for you.
