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Share on Pinterest Pharmacy discount cards can help you save money on commonly prescribed medications. SDI Productions/Getty ImagesA new study has found that pharmacy discount cards can often save people money.These findings were based on 20 common generic drugs and two pharmacy discount card programs.Discount card programs work by negotiating lower prices with pharmacies and drug companies.Experts say this can lead to up to 85% savings off of regular drug prices.Accessing the programs can be as simple as visiting the companys website and downloading the card.

According to a newly published report in the Annals of Internal Medicine, out-of-pocket (OOP) payments through insurance are often greater than what people might pay when using a pharmacy discount card program.

The studys findings applied to two discount drug programs: Amazon Prime and GoodRx Gold.

The team looked at 20 commonly prescribed generic medications, including several popular types of drugs such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, statins, and others. Pharmacy discount cards helped save patients money on generics

To arrive at their conclusions, the scientists used data from the 2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). MEPS is a large, nationally representative survey of patients, medical providers, and employers from around the U.S. It includes data on the cost and usage of health care and health insurance.

OOP payments in the MEPS were matched to prices through Amazon Prime and GoodRx Gold.

The drugs studied included:Blood pressure medications amlodipinefurosemidehydrochlorothiazidelisinoprillosartanmetoprololAntidepressants escitalopramsertralinetrazodoneCholesterol-lowering medications atorvastatinrosuvastatinsimvastatinStomach-acid-lowering medications omeprazolepantoprazoleAsthma and allergy medications montelukastThyroid hormone L-thyroxineDiabetes medication metformin

Any prescriptions where OOP payments were greater than the discount card pricing were noted in order to measure the proportion of excess OOP payments as well as their extent.

They also examined these measures in light of insurance type as well as whether the patients were likely to be in the deductible phase.

The researchers found that peoples OOP payments surpassed Amazons prices for 20% of the prescriptions they examined, while they exceeded GoodRx prices for 43% of the prescriptions.

Additionally, peoples OOP payments were greater than Amazons prices 40% of the time when the prescriptions were assumed to be in the deductible phase, while OOP payments for GoodRx were greater 79% of the time under this condition.

This suggests, said the authors, that when insurers cover part or all of the cost, there is a low rate of excess OOP payments. So, while discount cards can be helpful in reducing drug costs, this may not always be the case.

The authors noted that these savings particularly apply to those who either do not have insurance or are not adequately insured. Additionally, people who are enrolled in high-deductible healthcare plans might benefit.

Altogether, it was estimated that the OOP cost savings with these two pharmacy discount card programs would total about $969 million and $1.83 billion, respectively, with the majority of the savings coming from 90-day prescriptions. How prescription discount cards reduce out-of-pocket costs

According to Pauline K. Gray, a certified pharmacy technician with PharmacyTechnicianBlog.com, pharmacy discount card programs offer discounts on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies, making healthcare more affordable for consumers.

Pharmacy discount card programs work by negotiating discounted prices with pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies, she said. When a cardholder presents their discount card at a participating pharmacy, they receive a reduced price on their prescription medications. The pharmacy then bills the program sponsor for the discount provided.

Gray explained that the savings provided by pharmacy discount card programs can vary, depending on the drug, the pharmacy, and the program. However, the average savings can amount to anywhere from 10% to 85% of prescription drug costs.

She additionally noted that generics can provide more substantial savings than brand-name drugs. Are prescription discount programs worth it?

Dr. Saya Nagori, an ophthalmologist and CEO of EyeFacts, said that she is ecstatic when her patients are able to save money with these programs, stating that they allow people to pursue healthcare with little hassle and major benefits with or without health insurance.

She cautions, however, that some medications may not be covered. Additionally, discount coverage may be based on certain specifications, such as the dosage or amount prescribed.

Nonetheless, I tell my patients it is absolutely worth asking at the counter if there are any cost savings because you never know when these discount programs will benefit you, especially when they offset the overall cost of a persons healthcare. How to access prescription discount card savings

Accessing pharmacy discount card programs is usually straightforward, said Gray. Many programs offer cards that are freely available to the public, she noted, adding that they can be obtained online from program websites, through healthcare providers, or even at the pharmacies themselves. And, once you have the card, you can begin to use it immediately.

Gray added, Its essential for individuals to compare different programs to find the one that offers the best discounts for their specific medications and local pharmacies.

There are several programs to choose from, however.

Organizations that offer pharmacy discount programs include GoodRx, Optum Perks, ScriptSave, WellRx, and Blink Health, said Nagori.

Gray added SingleCare, Needymeds, FamilyWize, and RxSaver to the list.

Simply mention these company names in conjunction with your purchase and the pharmacist will check to see if there is indeed a discount to apply, advised Nagori.The bottom line

Several pharmacy discount programs exist and a new study shows that, in many cases, these programs can save people money when compared to their out-of-pocket costs through their insurance provider.

They are especially likely to save you money if you are underinsured or have a high deductible that you need to meet.

Experts say these programs can save people anywhere from 10% to 85% off the cost of their prescription medications.

Learning whether these programs can save you money is easy: Just ask your pharmacist. If your pharmacy participates in a program that can save you money, you can often download the card and begin using it right away.

Disclosure: Healthline Media and Optum Perks are both part of RVO Health.

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A pub a day to close this year, industry body warns as it calls for cut to tax burden

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A pub a day to close this year, industry body warns as it calls for cut to tax burden

An industry body has warned that the equivalent of more than one pub a day is set to close across Great Britain this year.

According to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), an estimated 378 venues will shut down across England, Wales and Scotland.

This would amount to more than 5,600 direct job losses, the industry body warns. It has called for a reduction in the cumulative tax and regulatory burden for the hospitality sector – including cutting business rates and beer duty.

The body – representing members that brew 90% of British beer and own more than 20,000 pubs – said such measures would slow the rate at which bars are closing.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said that while pubs are trading well, “most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes”.

“For many, it’s impossible to make a profit, which all too often leads to pubs turning off the lights for the last time,” she said.

“When a pub closes, it puts people out of a job, deprives communities of their heart and soul, and hurts the local economy.”

She urged the government to “proceed with meaningful business rates reform, mitigate these eye-watering new employment and EPR (extended producer responsibility) costs, and cut beer duty”.

“We’re not asking for special treatment, we just want the sector’s rich potential unleashed,” she added.

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The government has said it plans to reform the current business rates system, saying in March that an interim report on the measure would be published this summer.

From April, relief on property tax – that came in following the COVID-19 pandemic – was cut from 75% to 40%, leading to higher bills for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses.

The rate of employer National Insurance Contributions also rose from 13.8% to 15% that month, and the wage threshold was lowered from £9,100 to £5,000, under measures announced by Rachel Reeves in the October budget.

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US

Gaza permanent ceasefire ‘questionable’, says senior Israeli official

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Gaza permanent ceasefire 'questionable', says senior Israeli official

A senior Israeli official has issued a less-than-optimistic assessment of the permanency of any ceasefire in Gaza.

Speaking in Washington on condition of anonymity, the senior official said that a 60-day ceasefire “might” be possible within “a week, two weeks – not a day”.

But on the chances of the ceasefire lasting beyond 60 days, the official said: “We will begin negotiations on a permanent settlement.

“But we achieve it? It’s questionable, but Hamas will not be there.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to conclude a four-day visit to Washington later today.

There had been hope that a ceasefire could be announced during the trip. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that it’s close.

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Netanyahu arrives in US for ceasefire talks

Speaking at a briefing for a number of reporters, the Israeli official would not be drawn on any of the details of the negotiations over concerns that public disclosure could jeopardise their chances of success.

The major sticking point in the talks between Hamas and Israel is the status of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) inside Gaza during the 60-day ceasefire and beyond, should it last longer.

The latest Israeli proposal, passed to Hamas last week, included a map showing the proposed IDF presence inside Gaza during the ceasefire.

Read more: What is the possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal?

Israeli military vehicles stand near the Israel-Gaza border, in Israel.
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Pic: Reuters

This was rejected by Hamas and by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who reportedly told the Israelis that the redeployment map “looks like a Smotrich plan”, a reference to the extreme-right Israeli finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich.

The official repeated Israel’s central stated war aims of getting the hostages back and eliminating Hamas. But in a hint of how hard it will be to reconcile the differences, the official was clear that no permanent ceasefire would be possible without the complete removal of Hamas.

“We will offer them a permanent ceasefire,” he told Sky News. “If they agree. Fine. It’s over.

“They lay down their arms, and we proceed [with the ceasefire]. If they don’t, we’ll proceed [with the war].”

On the status of the Israeli military inside Gaza, the official said: “We would want IDF in every square meter of Gaza, and then hand it over to someone…”

He added: “[We] don’t want to govern Gaza… don’t want to govern, but the first thing is, you have to defeat Hamas…”

Smoke rises in Gaza after an explosion, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border.
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Pic: Reuters

The official said the Israeli government had “no territorial designs for Gaza”.

“But [we] don’t want Hamas there,” he continued. “You have to finish the job… victory over Hamas. You cannot have victory if you don’t clear out all the fighting forces.

“You have to go into every square inch unless you are not serious about victory. I am. We are going to defeat them. Those who do not disarm will die. Those who disarm will have a life.”

On the future of Gaza, the official ruled out the possibility of a two-state solution “for the foreseeable future”.

“They are not going to have a state in the foreseeable future as long as they cling to that idea of destroying our state. It doesn’t make a difference if they are the Palestinian Authority or Hamas, it’s just a difference of tactics.”

Read more:
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On the most controversial aspect of the Gaza conflict – the movement of the population – the official predicted that 60% of Palestinians would “choose to leave”.

But he claimed that Israel would allow them to return once Hamas had been eliminated, adding: “It’s not forcible eviction, it’s not permanent eviction.”

Critics of Israel’s war in Gaza say that any removal of Palestinians from Gaza, even if given the appearance of being “voluntary,” is in fact anything but, because the strip has been so comprehensively flattened.

Reacting to Israeli Defence Minister Katz’s recent statement revealing a plan to move Palestinians into a “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza, and not let them out of that area, the official wouldn’t be drawn, except to say: “As a permanent arrangement? Of course not.”

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UK

‘A constant game of cat and mouse’: Inside the police crackdown on illegal moped delivery drivers

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'A constant game of cat and mouse': Inside the police crackdown on illegal moped delivery drivers

The first thing you notice when immigration officers stop a possible illegal moped delivery driver is the speed in which the suspect quickly taps on their mobile.

“We’re in their WhatsApp groups – they’ll be telling thousands now that we’re here… so our cover is blown,” the lead immigration officer tells me.

“It’s like a constant game of cat and mouse.”

Twelve Immigration Enforcement officers, part of the Home Office, are joining colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police in a crackdown on road offences and migrants working illegally.

Police chase suspected illegal immigrant working as a delivery drivers

The West of England and Wales has seen the highest number of arrests over the last year for illegal workers outside of London.

“It is a problem… we’re tackling it,” Murad Mohammed, from Immigration Enforcement, says. He covers all the devolved nations.

“This is just one of the operations going on around the country, every day of the week, every month of the year.”

Murad Mohammed from Immigration Enforcement
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Murad Mohammed, from Immigration Enforcement, says his team are attempting to tackle the issue

Just outside the Cabot Circus shopping complex, we stop a young Albanian man who arrived in the UK on the back of a truck.

He’s on an expensive and fast-looking e-bike, with a new-looking Just Eat delivery bag.

He says he just uses it for “groceries” – but the officer isn’t buying it. He’s arrested, but then bailed instantly.

A man inspects the Just Eat food delivery bag of a suspected illegal immigrant working as a delivery driver

We don’t know the specifics of his case, but one officer tells me this suspected offence won’t count against his asylum claim.

Such is the scale of the problem – the backlog, loopholes and the complexity of cases – that trying to keep on top of it feels impossible.

This is one of many raids happening across the UK as part of what the government says is a “blitz” targeting illegal working hotspots.

Angela Eagle, the border security and asylum minister, joins the team for an hour at one of Bristol’s retail parks, scattered with fast food chains and, therefore, delivery bikes.

Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum
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Border security and asylum minister, Angela Eagle, speaks to Sky News

She says arrests for illegal working are up over the last year by 51% from the year before, to more than 7,000.

“If we find you working, you can lose access to the hotel or the support you have [been] given under false pretences,” she said.

“We are cracking down on that abuse, and we intend to keep doing so.”

A suspected illegal immigrant working as a delivery driver being arrested

There are reports that asylum seekers can rent legitimate delivery-driver accounts within hours of arriving in the country – skipping employment legality checks.

Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat all told Sky News they’re continuing to strengthen the technology they use to remove anyone working illegally.

But a new Border Security Bill, working its way through Parliament, could see companies fined £60,000 for each illegal worker discovered, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years.

“I had them all in to see me last week and I told them in no uncertain terms that we take a very tough line on this kind of abuse and they’ve got to change their systems so they can drive it out and off their platforms,” the minister tells me.

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Ex-Tory chairman defects to Reform
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The gig economy – so prevalent in every city – creates another incentive for those wanting to risk their lives coming to the UK illegally.

More than 20,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel to the UK in 2025 – a record number at this point of the year.

A suspected illegal immigrant working as a delivery driver holds his helmet

For some of those who arrive, a bike and a phone provide a way to repay debts to gang masters.

There were eight arrests today in Bristol, one or two taken into custody, but it was 12 hours of hard work by a dozen immigration officers and the support of the police.

As two mopeds are pushed onto a low-loader, you can’t help but feel, despite the best intentions, that at the moment, this is a losing battle.

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