Walking into the pharmacy every month to pick up prescriptions isn’t just a hassle, it might be costing you extra money. Whether you have Medicare, employer health insurance, or a marketplace plan, mail-order pharmacy service could be your ticket to significant savings on medications you take regularly. Many people overlook this convenient option that delivers medications right to your door while often reducing costs compared to retail pharmacies.

Mail-order pharmacy services work with most health insurance plans to provide up to a 90-day supply of maintenance medications. These are drugs you take regularly for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The bulk buying approach often comes with lower copays and the convenience of automatic refills delivered to your home.

The Financial Benefits of Going Big

The cost savings with mail-order can be substantial across all types of insurance plans. Those using mail order prescriptions find the 90-day supply is cheaper than buying on a month-to-month basis. For employer plans, employees can receive a three-month supply of medication for the price of just two copays (a 33% savings). Some plans even provide generic medications at no cost through mail order, including free shipping.

Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans often provide even more generous mail-order benefits. Some Medicare plans offer $0 copays for Tier 1 medications through mail-order for a 90-day supply, while the annual out-of-pocket maximum of $2,000 helps protect against high costs.

Mail-order pharmacy isn’t just about lower drug costs. You’ll save on gas, parking fees, and the time spent traveling to and waiting at pharmacies. For those with mobility challenges or who live in rural areas with limited pharmacy access, home delivery becomes especially valuable.

Setting Up Your Mail-Order Service

Getting started is simpler than you might expect. Most insurance plans work with pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, or OptumRx.

Your Setup Options

Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask to set up mail-order pharmacy service. Log into your plan’s secure member website and look for the mail-order section. Ask your doctor to send new prescriptions directly to your plan’s mail-order pharmacy electronically. Download your plan’s smartphone app for one-click prescription management.

Before setting up service, gather your current prescription bottles, insurance card, and medications list. You’ll need to set up your payment method with credit cards, debit cards, or electronic bank transfers.

Smart Strategies for Mail-Order Success

Start with Maintenance Medications

Mail-order pharmacies fill prescriptions in 90-day supplies, so they’re best for medications you take regularly (like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol medications). For short-term medications (like an antibiotic), use a retail pharmacy.

Plan Ahead for Refills

It will take 7 to 10 business days for your medication to be delivered once your doctor approves the prescription. Order refills about two weeks before your current supply runs out to avoid gaps in your medication schedule.

Use Automatic Refills Wisely

Many mail-order services offer automatic refill programs that will automatically refill and renew your mail-order prescriptions at no extra cost. Keep your contact information updated so the pharmacy can reach you with any questions.

Managing Your Experience

Most mail-order pharmacies provide tracking information and secure text alerts when your prescription is processed, shipped, and delivered.

You can still get 30-day prescriptions at local pharmacies if you need medication quickly or have delays with mail-order shipments.

Not all medications work for mail-order delivery. Controlled substances, specialty medications, and drugs requiring special storage need to be picked up at retail pharmacies.

What to Watch Out For

Different insurance plans work with different mail-order pharmacies. These services are included with your prescription drug coverage at no extra cost. Verify which service your plan uses.

Some states protect your pharmacy choices. Florida prohibits employers from requiring mail-order, though you can still opt in for savings.

Standard shipping is free, but expedited shipping costs extra. Mail-order pharmacies generally can’t accept returns, so ensure your prescription information is accurate.

Making the Most of Your Prescription Benefits

Remember that mail-order pharmacy is just one way to maximize your prescription drug benefits. Combining mail-order savings with other cost-saving strategies like choosing generic medications when appropriate and using manufacturer assistance programs can help you manage your medication costs effectively.

Consider using mail-order pharmacy as part of a comprehensive approach to managing your prescription costs, regardless of whether you have Medicare, employer insurance, or marketplace coverage.