Inaugural Benchmark Report: Unlocking the Power of Copay Coupons

Each year, $10 billion in potential savings from copay coupons remains untapped, leaving millions of patients struggling to afford life-saving medications. While these programs exist to reduce out-of-pocket costs for brand-name prescriptions, the reality is that only 20% of available savings are used. The inaugural RxUtility CoPay Coupon Benchmark Report explores the barriers and opportunities surrounding this overlooked lifeline, shedding light on how technology and awareness can improve access to medications.

How Copay Coupons Help Patients

At its core, copay assistance programs aim to alleviate the high costs associated with brand-name drugs. These coupons can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for patients at the pharmacy—often making the difference between a patient filling or abandoning a prescription. According to the report:

• 85% reduction in prescription costs is typical for patients using copay coupons.
• Over 1,200 medications offer coupons, including treatments for 168 disease states such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and autoimmune disorders.

The impact is clear: with many coupons reducing the cost to $10 or less, these savings offer significant relief to patients managing chronic conditions.

The Distribution Problem: Why Are Coupons Underused?

So, if the savings exist, why aren’t more patients benefiting? The report identifies two key challenges:

1. Lack of Awareness – Many patients are unaware that copay coupons are available for their medications. Unlike other coupons, these savings aren’t promoted where patients typically look—such as pharmacies, patient portals, or healthcare apps.
2. Inefficient Distribution – 83% of coupons require online activation, adding friction to the process. Although these coupons can be accessed online, patients first need to know where to look and how to activate them—something that is often overlooked in busy healthcare environments.

Without streamlined distribution and awareness, patients miss out on critical savings, leading to medication non-adherence and poorer health outcomes.

Bridging the Gap with Technology

The report emphasizes that digital distribution is key to unlocking the full potential of these programs. Patients interact with healthcare systems through multiple digital touchpoints—from appointment scheduling and prescription management to post-treatment follow-ups. Integrating copay coupons into these workflows can make savings available when patients need them most.

By embedding coupon access directly into pharmacy and e-prescribing systems, healthcare providers can ensure that patients benefit from available savings without additional hurdles. This shift not only reduces medication costs but also increases adherence and improves patient outcomes.

A Path Forward: Saving Every Dollar Possible

The RxUtility CoPay Coupon Benchmark Report offers a hopeful perspective: despite the challenges, this is a problem that can be solved. Unlike other complex issues in healthcare, improving the use of copay coupons is immediately actionable. With better awareness and smarter integration into healthcare IT systems, these savings can reach those who need them most.

At a time when 30% of patients cite cost as the reason they do not pick up their prescriptions, the need for action is urgent. By addressing the awareness and distribution gaps, stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem can work together to ensure every dollar of savings benefits patients.

Real Solutions, Real Impact

As healthcare leaders look for ways to reduce costs and improve outcomes, the RxUtility CoPay Coupon Benchmark Report serves as both a call to action and a roadmap. The opportunity to unlock billions in savings exists—it’s just waiting to be distributed effectively.

The message is clear: Healthcare doesn’t have to be unaffordable. With the right tools and partnerships, we can save every dollar possible for patients—and make medication adherence a reality for more people.

To explore the full report and learn more about how RxUtility is helping make these savings accessible, visit RxUtility.com.