Prescription Delivery: Cost and Coverage
Prescription delivery is convenient and often covered by insurance, but you may still have to pay delivery fees.
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Some health insurance companies have contracts with online pharmacies to deliver 60- or 90-day supplies of many medications. Local pharmacies also often have delivery programs, but insurance coverage for the delivery fee depends on your plan.
What is prescription delivery?
Prescription delivery is when you can get medications delivered to your home.
Prescription delivery can be convenient, especially if you have to travel a long distance to get to a pharmacy or have trouble getting around.
There are two types of prescription delivery: pharmacy delivery and mail-order delivery.
Pharmacy delivery
When a local pharmacy, like Walgreens, CVS or Rite Aid, delivers medications to you.
Mail-order pharmacy
An online pharmacy, like Express Scripts or Amazon, that can ship medications to you through the mail.
Local pharmacies may deliver medications to you, but it depends on the pharmacy and where you live. Smaller pharmacies are probably less likely to have a delivery program compared to larger pharmacies, like CVS or Walgreens. And depending on store policies and state or federal laws, your local pharmacy may not be able to deliver every kind of medication. For example, a medication that has to stay cold might not be eligible for delivery.
Mail-order pharmacies can often deliver a longer supply of medications. For example, many online pharmacies advertise that you can get a 90-day supply of your medication, so you only have to order it four times per year. But it's not always as easy to order medications from a mail-order pharmacy, and it might be harder to ask questions about your prescriptions.
Pros and cons of prescription delivery
Pros of prescription delivery
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Saves you having to go to the pharmacy
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May be able to get a longer supply
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Can automatically refill some medications
Cons of prescription delivery
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You may have to pay delivery fees
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May be harder to get info
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Delivery may take longer
How much does prescription delivery cost?
Prescription delivery usually costs between $5 and $10, in addition to the cost of your medication.
But the price you'll pay for delivery depends on how quickly you need your medication. Standard shipping is often free, but your medications could take a week or more to get to you. You'll pay more for next-day or same-day delivery.
The pharmacy you choose also affects your delivery fee. For example, Wegmans uses Instacart for its prescription delivery, which makes the delivery fees for prescriptions higher than many other pharmacies.
Company | Delivery fees |
|---|---|
| CVS | $4.99 - $7.99 |
| Walgreens | Free - $5.99 |
| Walmart | Free - $9.95 |
| Wegmans | $10.99 - $14.99 |
Delivery rates may be different depending on where you live and what kind of medication you need.
Does health insurance cover prescription delivery?
Some health insurance companies pay for prescription delivery, but it depends on your plan.
Some companies have contracts with online pharmacies. For example, Cigna works with Express Scripts, while UnitedHealthcare works with Optum Home Delivery. But coverage still depends on the specifics of your plan. The best way to find out if you have coverage for prescription delivery is to talk to your insurance company.
If your insurance company covers prescription delivery, you'll probably only have coverage for standard shipping. If you need faster shipping, you'll likely have to pay the higher delivery fee yourself.
If you want to get your prescriptions delivered from a local pharmacy, like CVS or Walgreens, instead of using an online pharmacy, talk to your insurance company about coverage.
Does Medicare cover prescription delivery?
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans often cover prescription delivery.
Many plans have a specific online pharmacy that you can get your prescriptions from. But every plan is different, so make sure you check for prescription delivery if that's a perk you want.
Frequently asked questions
Can DoorDash pick up my prescription?
Yes, DoorDash can deliver prescriptions. However, this isn't the same as a pharmacy delivery program or mail order pharmacy, as the delivery isn't run through a pharmacy. If you're worried about your privacy, it might be better to use your pharmacy's delivery program or a mail order pharmacy.
How much is CVS prescription delivery?
CVS usually charges between $4.99 and $7.99 for prescription delivery. However, the rates can change depending on where you live and the store in your area. The best way to know how much you'll pay is to call your local CVS pharmacy.
Can I get a prescription online without seeing the doctor?
You still need a valid prescription to get medication from an online pharmacy, so you still have to talk to a doctor before you can get medication. However, you might be able to use telehealth to talk to a doctor virtually, which can make it easier to get medication if you can't get into a medical office.
Sources
Sources for this article include CenterWell, Cigna, CVS, DoorDash, Express Scripts, J.D. Power, UnitedHealthcare, Walgreens, Walmart and Wegmans.
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.