Hoping to save a few bucks on your prescription? Trying to avoid a trip to the drugstore? If so, maybe you’ve considered getting your meds through your insurance company’s mail-order pharmacy. But while mail order prescriptions can be a good option for some, it can also be a hassle, and savings aren’t guaranteed. GoodRx sat down with Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs to discuss when mail order makes the most sense.
how do mail order pharmacies work?
best buy drugs: most mail order pharmacies operate through your insurer’s pharmacy benefits manager, or pbm. If you use a mail order service that doesn’t have an agreement with your insurer’s pbm, you may not receive coverage from your health plan.
You can sign up for mail order by submitting your insurer’s mail order form with your prescription. Another option is to have your health care provider call or fax it to you. You can usually ship refills online, by phone, or through a mobile app.
Because it can take up to two weeks to receive your mail order from the pharmacy, you can ask your doctor for two prescriptions. one for immediate refills at your local pharmacy and one for mail order.
How do I know if a mail order pharmacy is right for me?
bbd: If you want your prescriptions delivered instead of having to pick them up at the pharmacy, mail order might seem like a no-brainer.
Depending on your insurer, the discounts can also be significant, especially when it comes to certain generic drugs you take regularly for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. For those medications, you may be able to order a three-month supply of some medications for a copay of just a few dollars, or even $0, including free shipping, in some cases.
But before you sign up, you’ll want to make sure you’ll benefit. that means comparing what your insurer’s mail-order pharmacy will charge (including shipping) to your local pharmacy’s prices.
Many insurance companies now offer 90-day refills at local pharmacies at prices similar to mail order pharmacies. For example, if CareMark is your PBM, you can purchase a 90-day supply at CVS for the same price as a mail-order supply. check with your individual health plan to see where you can get 90-day refills at the best rates.
How is my insurance plan’s mail order pharmacy different from an online pharmacy?
bbd: It’s easy to confuse mail order pharmacies and online pharmacies, but the only similarity is that they both ship medications directly to your home. Mail order pharmacies operate through your health plan and require you to have a particular type of insurance, while online pharmacies tend to operate like an online pharmacy and may or may not accept your insurance.
In some cases, your health plan will only provide coverage if you use their mail order pharmacy.
when should I stick to my local retail pharmacy?
bbd: If your medications are reasonably priced at your local retail pharmacy, you have a good relationship with the pharmacist there, and you are satisfied with the pharmacy’s service, there may be no need to change .
Chain stores and superstores may offer generics at deeply discounted prices without insurance. Walmart, for example, offers a 90-day supply of dozens of generics for just $10.
Because mail-order programs typically ship a 90-day supply of medications at a time and delivery takes approximately two weeks, mail-order may not be for you if you need a prescription right away or have a prescription that requires only a few doses (for example, a prescription for post-surgical medication or antibiotics for an infection).
Finally, mail order pharmacies have pharmacists on staff ready to assist you and answer your questions, but if you prefer a more personal, face-to-face relationship with a pharmacist, stick with a walk-in pharmacy.
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what are the disadvantages of using a mail order pharmacy?
bbd: First of all, errors in communication.
For example, mail-order prescriptions may not always arrive on time, which can be dangerous for people who rely on life-saving medications. To avoid delays, be sure to set up online or phone orders at least two weeks before your medications run out if you don’t have automatic refills.
The opposite problem can also occur. Mail order pharmacies may automatically renew your prescriptions without confirming if you are still taking a medication or if your dosage has changed. Fortunately, Medicare Part D drug plans require mail order pharmacies to obtain approval from a patient or caregiver before shipping a new prescription or refill.
Also, with any type of delivery service, there is also the possibility that your package could be lost, stolen or damaged in the mail. mail order programs will try to prevent this by using protective packaging, but in the event your medications are damaged or lost, call your pharmacy’s 1-800 number right away for a replacement.
And one final safety note: If you get some of your medications through the mail and others at a pharmacy without an appointment, be sure to tell each pharmacy about all of the medications you are purchasing. taking them and updating them regularly on any changes, so your pharmacist can alert you to potentially dangerous drug interactions.
does goodrx do mail order?
yes. With Goodrx Gold you can have your prescriptions delivered right to your door, while saving on prescription costs. About 300 of the drugs are priced under $10 and you can even get a 30-day free trial.
Consumer Reports Buy Drugs Better is a public education project dedicated to helping you talk with your doctor about prescription drugs and help you find the safest and most effective medications at the best price.