I regret to inform you that the Kroger Health Savings Club (KHSC), which was a primary "pharmacy membership" program offering discounted prescriptions, is being discontinued. New enrollments and re-enrollments for KHSC were accepted only until March 6th, 2025, and the program will officially end on March 6th, 2026.
However, Kroger does offer other ways to save on prescriptions and general health, and understanding these can still be very beneficial. While the traditional "pharmacy membership" is winding down, you can still leverage their other programs and savings options.
Let's explore how you can still engage with Kroger for your pharmacy and health needs, even with the changes to the KHSC.
Navigating Kroger Pharmacy Savings (Even Without the Discontinued Membership)
Are you looking to save money on your prescriptions and health needs? Even though the Kroger Health Savings Club is phasing out, Kroger offers various other avenues to help you reduce your healthcare costs. Let's dive into how you can make the most of what Kroger Pharmacy has to offer.
Step 1: Understand the Landscape of Kroger Savings
Before we get into specific actions, it's crucial to understand that Kroger offers a multi-faceted approach to savings, not just one single "pharmacy membership" anymore. This includes their general loyalty programs, digital coupons, and acceptance of third-party discount cards.
Have you ever used a Kroger Plus Card or digital account? If so, you're already halfway there! These are fundamental to accessing many of Kroger's savings. If not, don't worry, we'll cover how to get started.
Sub-heading: Why the Shift?
Kroger has indicated that the discontinuation of the Health Savings Club is to "better align with changing customer needs." This suggests they are moving towards a more integrated approach to health and wellness within their broader ecosystem, potentially through partnerships or new programs yet to be fully revealed.
Step 2: Leverage Your Kroger Digital Account and Plus Card
The Kroger digital account and the associated Plus Card (or Alt ID, typically your phone number) are your primary gateways to savings across the entire Kroger family of stores, including their pharmacies.
Sub-heading: What is a Kroger Digital Account/Plus Card?
It's Kroger's loyalty program that allows you to:
Access exclusive digital coupons and personalized deals.
Earn fuel points on your purchases.
Receive personalized offers based on your shopping habits.
Sub-heading: How to Get Started (If You Haven't Already)
Online Sign-up:
Visit the official Kroger website for your local store (e.g., Kroger.com, FredMeyer.com, etc.).
Look for a "Create an Account" or "Sign Up" option.
You'll typically need to provide an email address, create a password, and link an existing Kroger Plus Card or create a new one (often using your phone number as an Alt ID).
In-Store Sign-up:
Ask a cashier or customer service representative at any Kroger family store to help you sign up for a Plus Card. They can usually set you up on the spot.
Kroger App:
Download the Kroger app from your smartphone's app store (iOS or Android).
Follow the prompts to create an account or link your existing one. The app makes it incredibly easy to manage coupons and your shopping list.
Step 3: Explore Prescription Discount Cards
Even without the Kroger Health Savings Club, Kroger Pharmacies accept a wide variety of third-party prescription discount cards. These cards can offer significant savings on prescription medications, often up to 80% or more, and are free to use.
Sub-heading: What are Prescription Discount Cards?
These are not insurance. They are programs that negotiate lower prices with pharmacies for various medications. You present the card at the pharmacy, and if the discount price is lower than your insurance co-pay or the cash price, you pay the discounted amount.
Sub-heading: How to Use Them at Kroger Pharmacy
Find a Card: Popular discount card providers include:
SingleCare
GoodRx
Optum Perks
Many others are available online with a quick search.
Compare Prices:
Visit the website or use the app of your chosen discount card provider.
Enter your medication name, dosage, and zip code.
The tool will show you prices at various local pharmacies, including Kroger.
Present at Pharmacy:
When you pick up your prescription at Kroger Pharmacy, simply show the pharmacist the discount card (either a physical card, a printout, or from your phone's app).
They will enter the information, and if the discount is better than your insurance or the cash price, you'll pay the lower amount. Remember: You cannot combine these discounts with your insurance for the same prescription. You choose whichever offers the best price.
Step 4: Inquire About Kroger's "Value-Priced" Generics
Kroger Pharmacies have historically offered certain common generic medications at very low, fixed prices, often as part of their broader savings initiatives. These are not tied to a specific membership club but are generally available to all customers.
Sub-heading: What are Value-Priced Generics?
These are select generic medications that Kroger offers at extremely competitive prices, often as low as $3 for a 30-day supply or $6 for a 90-day supply for some basic medications.
Sub-heading: How to Check for Them
Ask Your Pharmacist: The easiest way to find out if your medication is on their value-priced list is to simply ask your Kroger pharmacist. They can quickly check their system.
Check Online (If Available): While a comprehensive list isn't always prominently displayed online, some discount card websites might indicate if a Kroger location offers particularly low prices on certain generics.
Step 5: Consider Kroger Prescription Plans (for Employers/Groups)
While not a direct "membership" for individual consumers in the way the KHSC was, Kroger does offer "Kroger Prescription Plans" for employers and other groups. If you are part of an organization that offers health benefits, it's worth checking if they partner with Kroger.
Sub-heading: What are Kroger Prescription Plans?
These are integrated pharmacy benefit management (PBM) solutions designed for businesses and organizations to manage their employees' prescription drug benefits. They aim to provide transparency, value, and personalized service.
Sub-heading: Who Benefits?
Employers seeking to manage healthcare costs for their workforce.
Employees of participating organizations who gain access to a tailored prescription plan.
If your employer uses Kroger Prescription Plans, you would access benefits through that specific program, not a separate individual membership.
Step 6: Stay Informed on Future Kroger Health Initiatives
Kroger has stated they are "actively exploring options to continue to meet your needs" regarding prescription savings. This means they may introduce new programs or partnerships in the future.
Sub-heading: How to Stay Updated
Kroger Pharmacy Website: Regularly check the pharmacy section of your local Kroger store's website for announcements.
In-Store Pharmacy Staff: The pharmacy staff are often the first to know about new programs or changes. Don't hesitate to ask them during your visits.
Kroger Digital Account Emails: If you have a Kroger digital account, you'll likely receive email updates on new savings opportunities.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to save money on prescriptions at Kroger?
You can save money by using a Kroger Plus Card for general discounts and digital coupons, presenting third-party prescription discount cards (like SingleCare or GoodRx), and inquiring about Kroger's value-priced generic medications.
How to use a prescription discount card at Kroger?
Simply present the discount card (physical, printout, or from a mobile app) to the pharmacist when you pick up your prescription. They will apply the discount if it offers a better price than your insurance or the cash price.
How to find out if my medication is value-priced at Kroger?
The best way is to ask your Kroger pharmacist directly. They can check their internal system for the most up-to-date pricing on specific generic medications.
How to sign up for a Kroger digital account?
You can sign up online via your local Kroger family store's website, through the Kroger mobile app, or in-store at the customer service desk or with a cashier.
How to add family members to my Kroger pharmacy profile?
If you have a My Prescriptions account linked to your Kroger digital account, you can add yourself, a child (with a prescription number), or a pet (with a prescription number). For other adults, they need their own digital account and can grant you access.
How to transfer prescriptions to Kroger Pharmacy?
You can typically request a transfer by visiting the Kroger Pharmacy in person, calling them, or sometimes through your My Prescriptions online account by providing details of your current pharmacy and the prescription.
How to know if a third-party discount card is better than my insurance at Kroger?
The pharmacist can run both your insurance and the discount card to compare prices, and you can choose the option that offers the lower cost. Remember, you cannot combine them for the same prescription.
How to check my prescription history at Kroger?
If you have a My Prescriptions account linked to your Kroger digital account, you can view your prescription history online or through the Kroger app.
How to get a refund for a discontinued Kroger Health Savings Club membership?
According to Kroger, upon the club's official end on March 6th, 2026, there will be no active memberships to require a refund. For cancellations within 30 days of signing up or renewing before the discontinuation, you might have been eligible for a full refund; however, this period has likely passed for most.
How to find out about new Kroger pharmacy savings programs?
Stay updated by regularly checking the pharmacy section of your local Kroger store's website, asking the pharmacy staff during visits, and monitoring emails from your Kroger digital account.
