Employee Retention in a Competitive Market: The Role of Supplemental Prescription Benefits

In today’s tight labor market, employers face intense pressure to retain top talent. With 78% of employees saying they’d quit a job with subpar benefits – it’s clear that compensation alone isn’t enough. Beyond fair wages, unique and meaningful benefits—such as supplemental prescription benefits—can truly set a company apart.
Why Benefits Matter More Than Ever?
A recent AHIP survey highlights the crucial role of health coverage in retention: 77% of employees said quality benefits kept them at their current job.
Furthermore, 81% prioritize a strong benefits package when considering a job offer
Prescription drug costs are an increasing concern. According to the 2025 Segal Health Plan Cost Trend Survey, prescription drug price inflation is expected to rise by another 8% this year, after already enduring double-digit growth in 2024. Since many employer-sponsored plans leave significant gaps—due to high copays, limited formulary coverage, or rigid deductibles—employees are left carrying the financial burden.
Supplemental Prescription Benefits: A Smart Differentiator
Enter prescription discount cards—a strategic benefit that fills coverage gaps without added cost to employers.
Real Value for Employees
- Employees gain access to discounted prices at the point of sale, sometimes paying less than their insurance copay.
- This translates to immediate out‑of‑pocket prescription savings—for branded, generic, and even specialty medications.
Cost-Efficient for Employers
- Unlike traditional benefits, these cards come at zero cost to employers.
- Adding them to total compensation is easy—no premium hikes, no admin headaches.
- An enhanced benefits package can reduce turnover, saving upwards of 30–200% or salaries per departing employee.
How Do Prescription Savings Increase Retention?
1. Lower Financial Stress
Medical debt affects more than half of Americans and leads to significant turnover. Enhancing Rx savings empowers employees to stay healthy—without financial strain. In fact, 51% of U.S. workers say healthcare costs heavily impact their ability to save for retirement.
2. Boost in Job Satisfaction
The Intuit QuickBooks survey found that healthcare prescription benefits rank second only to salary in importance—but far ahead of perks like remote work flexibility
3. Higher Engagement & Lower Absenteeism
When employees can afford their prescribed medications, adherence improves—and so does overall health. Healthier employees mean fewer sick days and more productivity.
Case in Point: Pharmacy Benefits Matter
Caremark research shows that 74% of employees would be likely to stay with a company because of its pharmacy benefits. This isn’t surprising—pharmacy programs are now a key determinant in recruitment and retention decisions.
Moreover, 70% of employers report that controlling pharmacy spend is a top priority—demonstrating their recognition of benefit value
Integrating Supplemental Rx Benefits Seamlessly
There’s a catch: the more complicated a new benefit is, the less employees use it. That’s why the best solutions are simple, digital, and easy to adopt.
With platforms like CompareMedsRx:
- Employees can immediately compare prices across 20+ discount cards.
- It requires just one account and is accessible at over 70,000 pharmacies.
- No new software, forms, or fee barriers—only savings at checkout.
A Small Investment, A Big Difference
When wellness benefits are meaningful, employees pay attention. But few investments deliver ROI as effectively as pharmaceutical discount programs. Employers gain:
- Stickier employees
- Lower turnover
- Improved productivity and morale
- Enhanced perceived value for existing coverage
Conclusion
In an era where salary is table-stakes, benefits are your competitive edge. To support your team’s health and boost retention, explore how a supplemental prescription discount card can complement your current offering.
Visit CompareMedsRx today to see how effortless it is to enhance your employee benefits—without added cost or complexity.
By recognizing the power of prescription savings, employers can not only fill healthcare gaps—but build loyalty and resilience in a competitive workforce.