The February 5th launch of the TrumpRx.gov online portal has generated attention for its lower prescription drug pricing… and may offer value for self-funded pharmacy plans in cases where medications are excluded from coverage or members face high upfront costs. While the program doesn’t significantly change overall plan economics in the near term, it builds on another option for employees navigating out-of-pocket prescription expenses — direct-to-consumer prescription purchase.
- Negotiates manufacturer cash-pay prices and coupons for select brand-name prescription drugs; the platform currently offers 43 medications, including GLP-1s and fertility drugs.
- Redirects users to manufacturer websites where coupons for the available drugs can be printed or downloaded. Both printed or digital coupons can then be used at the pharmacy; medications are not sold directly through the platform.
- The TrumpRx portal offers price comparisons and prices are discounted from brand-name list prices (but are not necessarily the lowest available, particularly where lower-cost generic alternatives exist).
- Discounts apply only to cash purchases and cannot be combined with commercial insurance or applied toward deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums.
For self-funded employers, TrumpRx may serve as an alternative access point for excluded benefits — most notably weight-loss or fertility drugs — or for employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans who are seeking lower upfront costs. For example, the newly approved Wegovy pill is listed on TrumpRx starting at $149 per month for initial doses, compared to a typical U.S. list price of more than $1,300. In these situations, the program may help reduce member out-of-pocket exposure while offering employers additional flexibility when evaluating coverage for high-cost or traditionally excluded medications.
Future employer impact will depend on whether the program evolves through expanded drug offerings or closer alignment with plan design.