When you’re on Medicare, a U.S. federal health insurance program for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. Also known as Medicare Part D, it helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. One of the biggest ways to cut your monthly drug bills is by using generic medications, drugs that contain the same active ingredients as brand-name pills but cost up to 85% less. Also known as generic drugs, they’re approved by the FDA, the U.S. agency that ensures drugs are safe, effective, and properly labeled. Many people still hesitate to switch, thinking generics are weaker or less reliable—but that’s not true. The FDA requires them to work the same way, in the same amount of time, as the brand-name version.
So why do so many seniors pay more than they need to? Often, it’s because they don’t know how Medicare’s drug plan works. Not all plans cover the same generics, and some have different cost-sharing rules. Your plan might charge less for a generic than a brand-name drug, but if you’re not checking your formulary, you could be stuck paying full price. Some pharmacists will automatically substitute a generic unless you say no—but not all do. That’s why knowing your plan’s rules, asking your pharmacist about savings, and comparing prices across pharmacies matters. A pill that costs $40 at one pharmacy might be $8 at another, even with Medicare. And don’t forget: some plans have a coverage gap (the donut hole), but generics often cost less even in that phase.
There’s also confusion around where to buy generics safely. Online pharmacies offer low prices, but not all are legitimate. If you’re buying outside your usual pharmacy, make sure it’s licensed, requires a prescription, and has a physical U.S. address. The FDA and Medicare don’t endorse random websites—even if they say they’re "Medicare-approved." Stick to trusted sources, and always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before switching meds. You might be surprised how many people are paying extra because they never asked if a generic was available, or they didn’t realize their plan had a preferred pharmacy network.
Below, you’ll find real, practical guides that help you cut costs without cutting corners. From how to talk to your pharmacist about switching to generics, to how the FDA approves them, to how to spot safe online sources for cheap meds—you’ll see exactly what works. No fluff. No sales pitches. Just clear info from people who’ve been there.
Learn how to find financial help for generic medications in 2025, including Medicare Extra Help, pharmacy discount programs, and nonprofit aid-especially if you're caught in the assistance gap.