Mail Order Pharmacies in the US: Understanding Insurance Coverage

Many people in the US rely on mail order pharmacies to get their prescription medications. According to the article, nearly 80% of mail order pharmacies in the US are accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

If you're considering using a mail order pharmacy, it's essential to understand your insurance coverage. The article notes that Medicare Part D plans often have a higher copayment for mail order prescriptions, but this may be offset by the convenience and potential cost savings.

Some mail order pharmacies also offer additional services, such as medication management and counseling. However, these services may not be covered by all insurance plans, so it's crucial to review your policy carefully.

Mail-service pharmacies have several benefits that make them an attractive option for consumers. They can fill large quantities of prescriptions with 23X greater dispensing accuracy.

One of the most significant advantages of mail-service pharmacies is their accuracy. Computer-controlled quality processes, robotic dispensing, and advanced workflow practices allow them to fill prescriptions with greater accuracy and reduce potential medication errors to zero in several critical areas.

Prices can also be very good at some mail-service pharmacies. For example, at Cost Plus, GeniusRx, Honeybee, and Ro Pharmacy, all five of the generic drugs we shopped for cost less than the average insurance copay of $12 for generics, with no added fees.

Mail-service pharmacies can also save consumers, employers, and other health plan sponsors a significant amount of money. Research shows that they could save up to $23.5 billion over 10 years, which is equivalent to savings of up to 1.2% on overall drug costs.

Mail-service pharmacies have made significant strides in improving dispensing accuracy. They fill large quantities of prescriptions with 23X greater dispensing accuracy compared to traditional pharmacies.

This increased accuracy is due to computer-controlled quality processes, robotic dispensing, and advanced workflow practices. These technologies enable mail-service pharmacies to reduce potential medication errors to zero in several critical areas.

To put this into perspective, mail-service pharmacies have been able to eliminate errors in areas where traditional pharmacies struggle. This is a significant improvement for patients, who can rely on accurate and reliable medication delivery.

Here are some key features of mail-service pharmacies that contribute to their high dispensing accuracy:

By leveraging these technologies, mail-service pharmacies have set a high standard for dispensing accuracy. As a result, patients can trust that their prescriptions are filled correctly and safely.

Prices are good at mail-service pharmacies. In fact, research shows that they can save consumers, employers, and other health plan sponsors $23.5 billion over 10 years.

Online pharmacies can be a great deal, especially if you take common generic drugs on a recurring basis. At four pharmacies we looked at - Cost Plus, GeniusRx, Honeybee, and Ro Pharmacy - all five generic drugs we shopped for cost less than the average insurance copay of $12 for generics, with no added fees.

Some pharmacies even offer rock-bottom prices. To take advantage of ScriptCo's prices, you need to pay a $140 annual membership. However, it pays to compare prices at different pharmacies.

Here's a breakdown of the pharmacies we looked at:

Keep in mind that these prices can vary depending on the specific drugs and pharmacies you use.

Some people may not carry their medication with them at all times, which can be a challenge when using mail order pharmacies.

Mail order pharmacies often require patients to have a 30-day supply of medication on hand.

This can be difficult for individuals who take medication only as needed, such as for asthma or allergies.

In these cases, patients may need to request a refill from the mail order pharmacy more frequently.

This can be inconvenient for those who prefer the convenience of mail order pharmacies.

Online pharmacies can be a convenient way to get your prescriptions filled, but it's essential to make sure you're using a safe and legitimate one. This means being aware of the warning signs of an unsafe online pharmacy.

If an online pharmacy doesn't require a doctor's prescription, it's a red flag. It's also a problem if they're not licensed in the U.S. and by your state board of pharmacy.

You should also be wary of online pharmacies that don't have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions. If they send medicine that looks different than what you receive at your usual pharmacy, or arrives in packaging that is broken, damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired, it's a sign of a problem.

Here are some warning signs of an unsafe online pharmacy:

To ensure you're using a safe online pharmacy, look for the VIPPS seal, which means the pharmacy is accredited under the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program. You can check if an online pharmacy is VIPPS-accredited by visiting the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's website.

Most health insurance plans cover mail order prescriptions, but you'll need to check with your insurance provider to see which mail order pharmacies are part of their network. You can find this information by calling the member services number of your insurance provider.

You can also check the websites of insurance providers that offer mail order prescriptions for more information. If you're uninsured, you won't be able to use mail order pharmacies, but you can use other options like VIPPS certified online pharmacies or retail pharmacy delivery services.

Insurance does cover mail order prescriptions, but only through a partner pharmacy with your health insurance company. This is arranged by the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that works with your insurer.

You can find out which mail order pharmacies are covered by your insurance by calling the member services number on the back of your member ID card. Some popular insurance providers offer mail order prescriptions on their websites as well.

If you're uninsured, you won't be able to use mail order pharmacies, but you can consider using a VIPPS certified online pharmacy or retail pharmacy delivery services instead.

Here are some ways to find out about mail order pharmacies with your insurance:

Keep in mind that membership fees may apply to some mail order pharmacies, so be sure to check the costs before signing up.

Mail pharmacies will save an estimated $23.5 billion over the 10-year period 2023-2032, a significant reduction in costs that can be attributed to their efficiency and streamlined operations. This savings will have a direct impact on the overall cost of insurance and coverage for patients.

You can mail your prescriptions to a convenient location, your doorstep, with mail order pharmacies. Contact your health insurance provider to see what mail order pharmacy they partner with.

To get started, ask your doctor to send your prescription directly to the mail order pharmacy, or fill out an order form on the pharmacy's website and attach your prescription.

Mail order pharmacies usually deliver a 90-day supply of your medication, making it easy to manage your prescriptions.

If you're uninsured, you can use a VIPPS certified online pharmacy, retail pharmacy delivery services, or SingleCare's new free home delivery to mail your prescriptions.

You can find information on which mail order pharmacies you can use with your health insurance plan by calling the member services number of your insurance provider, or by checking the websites of insurance providers that offer mail order prescriptions.

Here are some steps to follow:

You can order a new prescription from a mail order pharmacy in several ways, including online, by phone, or by mail. To order online, log in to your account at CVS Caremark or a similar service and place your order.

Some mail order pharmacies may not ship to all states, so it's essential to check their websites to see if they serve your area. For example, Ro Pharmacy only ships to 37 states, but they plan to expand their shipping areas in the future.

Shipping times can vary depending on the pharmacy and the type of medication you need. Amazon and GeniusRx promise free delivery in two to five days, but others may take longer. If you need medication quickly, be prepared to pay extra for expedited shipping.

Here are some shipping options and estimated delivery times:

Keep in mind that some medications, such as controlled substances and specialty medications, may require special handling or tracking. These medications may need to be delivered to a specific address or require a signature upon delivery.

Some online pharmacies ship to all states, but a few have restrictions. Only two of the online sellers we checked—Costco.com and HealthWarehouse.com—shipped to all states when we checked their websites this February and March.

Amazon doesn't ship to Hawaii, and Cost Plus doesn't ship to North Carolina. GeniusRx doesn't ship to Alabama, and Honeybee and ScriptCo exclude a handful of states each.

Ro Pharmacy ships to the fewest states—37—but the company says it will be adding more to its roster this year. If you live in a state that currently isn’t served by an online pharmacy, check the websites periodically to see whether the lists have expanded.

Shipping times can vary greatly between online pharmacies. Amazon, GeniusRx, and Ro Pharmacy promise free delivery in two to five days. But others take longer: seven to 10 days for free shipping from Honeybee and up to 14 days from Costco.

If you need medication faster, expect to dig into your pocket. Priority shipping at GeniusRx costs $4.99 and will get your meds to you in up to three business days. At Cost Plus, expedited shipping costs $15.

Some online pharmacies charge extra for shipping, even if it's not immediate. HealthWarehouse.com offers free shipping if you sign up for the company’s e-newsletter, but it also recommends that you add a signature requirement for delivery for an additional $3.95 each time.

Medications that require refrigeration, including insulin, often come with an extra shipping fee. At HealthWarehouse.com, for example, overnight shipping and handling will run you $29.95. At ScriptCo, expect to pay $40.

You can order a new prescription through various channels, including online, by phone, or by mail. To do it online, simply log in at CVS Caremark and place an order.

If you prefer to order by phone, you can call 1-800-338-6833 (TTY 711) to place your order. It's a good idea to have a 2-week supply of your medication on hand, just in case it takes a few weeks for CVS Caremark to process and deliver your order.

You can also order by mail by filling out a mail-order form and sending it along with your payment to the address listed on the form. This option can take a bit longer, so be sure to plan ahead.

Here are the ways to order a new prescription summarized:

Mail order pharmacies in the US offer a convenient way to receive medications directly at home, working closely with insurance providers to send prescriptions via mail.

These pharmacies are generally more cost-effective and can supply medications in bulk, but may face delivery delays and the risk of damaged packages, particularly for temperature-sensitive drugs.

One key indicator of a trustworthy online pharmacy is VIPPS accreditation, which ensures safety and legitimacy.

Mail order pharmacies are strictly regulated and work directly with health insurance plans, which means they must follow specific guidelines and requirements.

To mail controlled substances and specialty medications, additional tracking and the need to be present upon delivery may apply.

You can check with your insurance provider to see if they offer mail order prescriptions, making it a convenient option for you.