A lot of pharmacies actually have their own generic drug program that requires no insurance. Usually it's 3.99/month supply, 9.99/3 months. If you came to my pharmacy you'd get 9.99/3 months on the paroxetine, not sure about the lexapro, that's usually more expensive.
Avoid CVS/Walgreens/Rite Aid. I feel sorry for the suckers who go there because it's actually pretty expensive, especially their OTC items, you're better off at a supermarket or Walmart/Costco. Problem w/Costco is they have huge quantities and maybe you don't need that much, don't fall into temptation.
If you go on your state's Board of Pharmacy website, they usually have a service where pharmacies in your area have to report the drug price for every drug to the state Board, you can look by zip code and find the cheapest in your area. Generally, independents are most expensive, then your 3 big chains, then supermarkets/big box stores being cheapest. Some will be more expensive/cheaper than others.
I know 1 supermarket offering free diabetic medication (metformin, glimeperide, etc) if you're on their generic drug plan. Some question the legality but it's out there.
Call pharmacies for price, but you'll get variation and often the cash price of drug. Look at generic drug prices and compare to insurance. Actually quite often it's better to get the drug uninsured than pay the copay your insurance offers.
As a pharmacist, I say, please don't go to that 3 red letter company, they are truly evil and often unethical, I feel sorry for those that work for that company. The conditions are terrible there and stress too high. The problem w/Express Scripts is that yes it's cheaper w/mail order maybe for now but if once it becomes a retail drug monopoly and drive pharmacies out of business, do not complain about jacked up prices because you helped to bring business to them! I have seen medications on the shelf go from 10 to 1000 a bottle, simply because there was problems with manufacturing and only 1 company could make it, thus raising prices on everyone, including insurers. Save money now, but long run for future generations, screw them over later, don't go to them unless you're really struggling financially.
