No insurance? Here's how to get the medications you need
Written by Dr. Nada Farooqui, MD · Board Certified Family Medicine · Rawq Medicine, Hillsborough NJ
You're not alone. Many Somerset County residents are managing healthcare without insurance — or with a deductible so high it barely helps. If you need a prescription and aren't sure how to afford it, here's exactly what to do.
Where to get affordable medication today
Cost Plus Drugs
costplusdrugs.comThe single best resource for uninsured patients on common generics. Metformin, lisinopril, atorvastatin, sertraline and hundreds more — often $3 to $15/month, shipped to your door. No membership, no insurance.
GoodRx
goodrx.comFree app that finds the lowest cash price for your medication at every nearby pharmacy. Show the coupon on your phone at the counter. Many patients pay less with GoodRx than with insurance.
Costco Pharmacy (Bridgewater)
Consistently among the lowest cash prices around. No Costco membership required to use the pharmacy.
Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs
needymeds.orgMost brand-name drug manufacturers — including GLP-1 companies — offer free or heavily discounted medication to uninsured patients. Income limits are often higher than people expect. Search your medication name + “patient assistance program” or visit NeedyMeds.org.
NJ FamilyCare / Medicaid
njfamilycare.orgA family of four earning up to approximately $44,000/year may qualify. Covers both doctor visits and prescriptions. Worth checking even if you've assumed you don't qualify.
Getting the prescription in the first place
The resources above help you fill a prescription you already have. But to get a prescription in the first place — or refill one for an ongoing condition — you need a physician. Without insurance, that visit often costs $150 to $400 at urgent care. And a one-off telehealth visit means starting over with a new provider every time.
This cycle traps a lot of people. There's a better way, right here in Hillsborough.
Your own doctor. No insurance. One flat monthly fee.
Rawq Medicine is a direct primary care practice in Hillsborough. You pay a simple monthly membership and get a real physician relationship — visits when you need them, direct texting, direct access, and no surprise bills.
On medications: I know what your prescriptions cost at Cost Plus Drugs and GoodRx, and I build that into every prescription I write. Most patients on common medications pay $3–$15/month. I have the time to make sure of it.
- Ages Adult (18+)$150/mo
- Ages Child (12–17)$65/mo
- Family plans available — see pricing page
- Same or next-day appointments
- Text Dr. Farooqui directly
- No co-pays, no surprise bills
- Scholarship memberships available for those who need them
- HSA-eligible — pay with pre-tax dollars
A simple, step-by-step plan
Check Cost Plus Drugs
Look up your medication at costplusdrugs.com — if it's listed, that's usually your cheapest option.
Compare with GoodRx
Search GoodRx to compare cash prices at Amwell Pharmacy, Hillsboro Pharmacy, and Costco Bridgewater.
Check NJ FamilyCare eligibility
Visit njfamilycare.org or call 1-800-701-0710 — you may qualify even if you've assumed you don't.
Join the Rawq Medicine waitlist
Be the first to know when we open this fall — your own physician, no insurance required.
No-insurance questions, answered
Can I get a prescription without insurance?
Yes — a prescription is valid regardless of insurance status. What changes is what you pay. Cost Plus Drugs and GoodRx handle the medication cost. A Rawq Medicine membership handles the physician relationship.
Is Rawq Medicine cheaper than urgent care?
Usually, yes. A single urgent care visit without insurance runs $150–$400. A Rawq Medicine membership is $150/month and covers your primary care visits. If you're going to urgent care even twice a year, membership is likely more affordable.
Can I use my HSA for a Rawq Medicine membership?
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, DPC membership fees are HSA-eligible. If you have an HSA paired with a high-deductible plan, you can pay your membership entirely with pre-tax dollars.
What if I can't afford the membership?
We offer a small number of scholarship memberships for patients facing genuine hardship, funded by our Pay It Forward program. Just reach out — no application process, just a conversation.
Do I need insurance to join?
No. You pay us directly. We do recommend keeping some form of insurance for hospitalizations and emergencies, but your everyday primary care is fully covered by your membership.
Get care that fits your budget
Join the waitlist to be first when we open this fall — or call 908-800-2380 to talk it through with Dr. Farooqui.
HSA-eligible membership · No co-pays · No long-term contracts