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NiHowdy > Resources > An Introduction to NiHowdy

An Introduction to NiHowdy

Author

Written by Amar Lunagaria

Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder

Reviewed By

Reviewed by Amar Lunagaria

Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder

NiHowdy is revolutionizing how Americans can afford prescription medications by combining cost savings with Bitcoin rewards. This innovative platform tackles the opaque drug rebate system, redirecting savings directly to consumers while introducing them to the potential of cryptocurrency. Here's a comprehensive look at NiHowdy's operations, origins, and position in the healthcare landscape.

An Introduction to NiHowdy

NiHowdy is revolutionizing how Americans can afford prescription medications by combining cost savings with Bitcoin rewards. This innovative platform tackles the opaque drug rebate system, redirecting savings directly to consumers while introducing them to the potential of cryptocurrency. Here's a comprehensive look at NiHowdy's operations, origins, and position in the healthcare landscape.

What Is NiHowdy and How Does It Work?

NiHowdy operates as a prescription discount card program with a cryptocurrency twist. Users receive instant savings of up to $95 on medications at over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, including major chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. What sets NiHowdy apart is its Bitcoin rebate (up to 5%) on every purchase, automatically deposited into users' NiHowdy accounts.

The process works in three steps:

  1. Search: Users check medication prices and participating pharmacies on NiHowdy's website.
  2. Save: Present the digital/printable discount card at checkout for reduced pricing.
  3. Earn: Bitcoin rewards accumulate with each transaction, leveraging the Lightning Network for low-fee microtransactions.

Unlike traditional insurers or programs like GoodRx, NiHowdy captures manufacturer rebates typically absorbed by middlemen and redistributes them to customers in Bitcoin—a first in the prescription savings industry.

Founder Background: A Pharmacist's Crusade Against Rebate Inequity

NiHowdy was founded in 2023 by James Wong, a pharmacist-turned-disruptor who witnessed firsthand how drug rebates exploited consumers. After owning a pharmacy, Wong grew disillusioned with a system where:

  • 50%+ of drug rebates flowed to Medicare/Medicaid programs
  • Uninsured patients received zero rebate benefits
  • Corporations profited from $400B+ in annual government drug spending

His solution? A platform that converts rebates into appreciating assets like Bitcoin, giving patients long-term financial leverage against rising healthcare costs. Wong's 2010 Bitcoin discovery and pharmacy expertise uniquely positioned him to bridge healthcare and cryptocurrency.

Operational Timeline and Growth

Though officially launched in 2023, NiHowdy became a minimum viable product (MVP) in 2022. Early adopters have already seen:

  • 150% growth in Bitcoin rebate values
  • 10%+ prescription cost offsets through appreciating Bitcoin
  • Expansion to all 50 states and U.S. territories

The company is headquartered in California, and it plans to introduce stock-based rewards alongside Bitcoin.

Nationwide Availability and Corporate Independence

NiHowdy currently operates nationwide, including:

  • All 50 states
  • Puerto Rico
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Other U.S. territories

A New Model for Healthcare Economics

By providing rebate profits through Bitcoin, NiHowdy challenges Big Pharma's status quo. Its rewards system creates a virtuous cycle:

  1. Immediate prescription savings reduce financial strain
  2. Bitcoin accrual hedges against inflation and healthcare cost increases
  3. Growing user adoption pressures traditional rebate models

As healthcare costs continue rising, NiHowdy offers more than discounts—it provides a blueprint for patient empowerment through financial innovation. With every prescription filled, users aren't just saving money but investing in a system that prioritizes people over profits.