What’s the Buzz

Key Takeaways

• Mail-order pharmacies are licensed U.S. pharmacies that are allowed by law to dispense and deliver prescription drugs to the public in the mail. They work directly with health insurance providers. 

• Filling prescriptions at accredited mail-order pharmacies is safe and credible and may save you money and time by cutting down trips to pharmacies. 

• Check your health insurance plan to see the list of in-network pharmacies that offer mail-order services. 

Did you know that instead of going to your local pharmacy to pick up your prescriptions, you can have your prescription drugs delivered to your doorstep by a mail-order pharmacy? Please continue reading to find out how a mail-order service for prescription drugs works.

What is the difference between a mail-order and retail pharmacy?

The main difference between a mail-order pharmacy and a retail pharmacy (conventional pharmacy) is that you have to go to your local retail pharmacy in person to pick up your medications, whereas you can get your mail-order prescriptions delivered to your home or office.

Are mail-order pharmacies the same as online pharmacies?

Mail-order pharmacies are not the same as online pharmacies. Both offer the convenience of having medications delivered to your home, but they work differently. Mail-order pharmacies are licensed and accredited pharmacies that work with your insurance provider.

Online pharmacies may or may not take insurance. An online pharmacy may be located overseas and, therefore, not subject to U.S. laws and regulations. Online pharmacies often lure customers with big discounts but may ship counterfeit medications that can put your health at risk.

Are mail-order pharmacies reliable?

Mail-order pharmacies are licensed pharmacies located in the U.S. that are allowed by law to dispense prescription drugs to the public. They work directly with health insurance providers. You can check your health insurance plan to see which pharmacies that offer mail-order services are in-network. Filling prescriptions at accredited mail-order pharmacies is safe and may even save you money. 

You can find a list of accredited digital pharmacies for mail-order drugs on the website of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program is a voluntary certification program for mail-order pharmacies. The presence of a VIPPS seal tells you that you can order online from a pharmacy with reassurance.

Who do mail-order pharmacies typically serve?

Anyone can use mail-order pharmacy services, but getting prescription refills by mail-order is particularly useful for: 

• Those who live in rural or remote areas.

• People aged 65 and older.

• Disabled individuals or those with mobility issues. 

• Adults with poor health status.

• People who are on multiple medications for chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

• Military-insured adults.

Are prescription drugs at mail-order pharmacies cheaper?

Ordering a prescription directly from a mail-order pharmacy that is on your health plan may be cheaper than ordering it from your local pharmacy. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of your prescription instead of a 30-day supply, which also can be cheaper in the long run.

What are some mail-order pharmacy benefits?

• Convenience: You save time because you don’t have to drive to your local pharmacy and wait in line. You can place an order for your prescriptions without leaving home. 

• 24x7: Mail-order pharmacies are open 24x7, unlike most retail pharmacies that are only open during business hours.

• Safety: Mail-order pharmacies offer accurate and efficient services. Every prescription is checked by licensed pharmacists before it is mailed to a patient.

• 90-day supplies: You may be able to get a 90-day supply of your prescriptions, saving you the trouble of obtaining refills every month.

• Cost savings: Using a mail-order pharmacy may require a smaller copay as these pharmacies are often co-owned and managed by pharmacy benefit managers or health insurance companies that provide your health coverage. 

• Tracking: Most pharmacies have a website or smart phone app that makes it easy to keep track of your prescriptions. If you have more than one chronic condition, you can even synchronize your refills.

• Customer Service: Most mail-order pharmacies offer a customer service number that you can contact if there are any issues with your medication or if you have any complaints.

What is one disadvantage of a mail-order pharmacy?

Some of the disadvantages of mail-order options include:

• Delays: It takes a few days for your medications to be shipped by a mail-order pharmacy. After it is mailed, it can take an additional few days to reach you. You can, therefore, expect to wait 5-7 days in most cases before you obtain your prescriptions. If your doctor has prescribed certain medications, such as antibiotics, it is faster to pick them up at a retail pharmacy and start treatment right away.

• New medications: If you are starting on a new medication or undergoing a dose adjustment based on response, it may be easier to pick up your medication at your local pharmacy.

• Interactions with pharmacists: Going to retail pharmacies to pick up a prescription allows patients to have a face-to-face interaction with a pharmacist. This is a valuable opportunity to get answers to questions or have potentially cheaper alternatives, such as the generic version of a brand name drug recommended by the pharmacist.

• Controlled substances: Certain controlled substances are regulated and may not be available for home delivery from a mail-order pharmacy.

• Transit damage: Some medications require careful handling and may be damaged during transit. 

Steps for using a mail-order pharmacy

1. Check if your health insurance plan allows mail-order prescriptions. Most large health insurance plans use pharmacy benefit management companies like Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, and others and offer services like prescription drug coverage through mail-order pharmacies.

2. Find accredited mail-order pharmacies that are in-network.

3. Complete the online order form for your medication. Make sure you put in the correct address for delivery.

4. Upload your prescription or have your doctor’s office directly mail your prescription to the mail-order pharmacy.

5. Register and enter your member ID card to get discounts if such a program is offered.

6. Pay for your medications based on drug coverage.

7. Synchronize two prescriptions (or more) to be delivered on the same day if this option is offered.

8. Have your mail-order prescriptions delivered to your home or office within a few days.

References:

1. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.22.20199505v2.full.pdf