We’re not here to debate the effectiveness of the D.A.R.E. program, but we’re pretty sure it would’ve landed better if we were told drugs cost more than our monthly allowance. The idea of your brain on drugs is nearly as scary as your brain trying to figure out why Medicare doesn’t cover the one your mom needs.
This week we’re channeling our inner former first lady and digging into Part D politics and prescription drug discounts so Mom doesn’t have to “just say no” when her doc writes a script that isn’t covered by her insurance.
Nick Ut / AP
ICYMI (in case you missed it)
🎤 Hilarity for Charity opened registration for HFC CareCon 2026, a free, virtual conference bringing together caregivers, advocates, and experts for education, connection, and real talk about Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
⏳ Living longer doesn’t look like it used to. Time Magazine explores the “New Old Age,” highlighting how longer lifespans are reshaping work, health, family roles, and caregiving.
🏛️ A U.S. Senate inquiry is examining UnitedHealth’s role in nursing homes, raising concerns about how corporate ownership and financial incentives may affect care quality for residents.
🎶 A woman living with dementia had a moment of lucidity at her granddaughter’s wedding when her husband sang “My Way.”
It Costs How Much?!
Whether you’re new in class or Mom’s meds are forcing you to pay attention, let’s kick off with a quick vocab lesson:
Part D is Medicare's drug coverage.
Prescription coupons are savings tools, usually in the form of discount cards and coupon apps like GoodRx or SingleCare (there’s others too). These are not manufacturer freebies and they’re not insurance, they’re discount plans that help you access a lower cash price on certain prescription drugs.
You know how grocery stores have two checkout lanes? Pharmacies do too, only they’re not where you bag your own eggs.
Lane 1: Medicare drug coverage (Part D / Medicare Advantage with drug coverage)
The pharmacy runs Mom’s plan. She coughs up the plan’s copay or coinsurance based on the plan’s formulary (what’s covered), tier (how expensive it is), deductible, preferred pharmacy, etc.
In 2026, no Part D plan can have a deductible higher than $615 (some plans have less; some have none). Also big in 2026, out-of-pocket spending for covered Part D drugs is capped at $2,100 for the year. After that, Mom generally pays $0 for covered Part D drugs the rest of the calendar year.
Lane 2: Discount card / coupon app
The same pharmacy runs the discount card/coupon as a cash transaction (not through Medicare). Prices can vary by medication, pharmacy, and even day-to-day. Drug companies (often through the same behind-the-scenes pricing networks pharmacies already use, like Pharmacy Benefit Managers) line up pre-negotiated discounted prices. At times, discount cards and coupon apps can be less expensive than the straight cash price.
The coupon company isn’t doing it out of the goodness of their heart, they usually make a small fee from the pharmacy for sending business their way.
Can Mom use a discount card or coupon app with Medicare?
Usually not. Mom typically can’t use a discount coupon and Medicare drug coverage together for the same fill at the register. She’ll need to pick a lane.
GoodRx says you can’t combine GoodRx and Medicare, but you can use GoodRx instead of your Part D or Medicare Advantage drug coverage if the GoodRx price is lower. You do this by asking the pharmacy to run it as cash (they may require you to show proof of a GoodRx coupon).
If you use the discount/coupon instead of Mom’s Part D, she may pay less today. But that spend generally won’t count toward her Part D deductible or that $2,100 out-of-pocket cap for covered drugs because Medicare wasn’t billed.
Want to get the best bang for Mom’s buck? Ask the pharmacy the following:
“Can you please price this two ways: through Medicare AND as a cash/discount card using the lowest discount price you can run?”
“If I go cash/discount card today, will it count toward my mom’s Part D deductible or out-of-pocket cap?”
Use Medicare (Part D / Medicare Advantage) if…
The med is expensive, it’s within Mom’s budget, and she could hit the $2,100 cap this year.
She’s still working through the deductible (up to $615 in 2026) and needs costs to count.
The plan copay is already low (this happens a lot with generics).
Use GoodRx / SingleCare (cash) if…
The plan copay is high but the coupon price is clearly lower today.
The drug isn’t covered, or coverage is delayed behind red tape (prior auth/step therapy), and she needs something affordable now.
Heads up:
Prices change. That great deal can shift depending on pharmacy and timing.
Math matters. Coupons and cash usually don't move Mom toward the Part D cap. Medicare lets Mom track her spend and access detailed drug cost info here.
Privacy: coupon apps are businesses, use them intentionally and only share what you’re comfortable with.
Mom’s in need of more long term drug coverage discounts? Find out if she qualifies for the Extra Help program.
You don’t have to be 65 or older to use prescription discount cards/coupon apps. Caregivers can use them too (assuming you actually make it to your own doctors appointments).
And, because we don’t dare break the rules, we’ve been instructed to remind you that the above is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Plan rules and pharmacy pricing may vary by plan, drug, pharmacy, and location.
What’s Good
Helpful care-focused finds we’ve identified and researched so you don’t have to.
Wondering what to do with all of Dad’s discharge notes? Meet Baba. Baba is a patient advocacy service that connects older adults with trained, real-deal advocates, usually social workers or nurses, who speak the system fluently. Baba’s services are covered by Medicare, many Medicare Advantage plans, and even Medicaid in certain states.
After a hospital stay or a surprise bill shows up in Dad’s mailbox, it’s easy to feel lost. Trained advocates help patients get better outcomes by asking the right questions, pushing for the right care, and reducing the kind of mistakes that cost time, money, and brain cells. Intake calls with licensed providers usually happen same-day.
Easy to use and access to a real human is what’s really good.
Parenting Parents
You said it. This week’s submissions.
“Visited my dad in the nursing home. Afraid it will be the last time I hear him say he loves me.”
“Mom passed over the holidays and one of her least favorite home aides came to the funeral.”
“Three ER trips. I don't know if there are frequent flyer programs for this.”
“Dad got "unnecessary" new glasses and actually admitted he can see better!”
“My mom now calls me mom and I hate it.”
