The Best Prescription Delivery Services for Seniors

Prescription delivery services have taken off in the last decade, offering seniors a worry-free solution to medication management. With these services, medications come presorted in a perforated roll of pouches, each carefully labeled with its contents as well as the date and time it should be opened. Such services are a vast improvement over the generic multi-compartment plastic pillboxes that can be frustrating to fill and easy to mix up. In contrast, prescription delivery services help seniors who take multiple medications and their caregivers keep things simple and well-organized. 

Making things easier is important to seniors’ health and quality of life. According to the American Medical Association, the chance that a patient will not adhere to his or her medical plan goes up as it becomes more complicated and additional medications are prescribed. Beyond this, factors like a lack of reliable transportation may also contribute to problems. However, the good news is that using a prescription delivery service also eliminates the need for most trips to the pharmacy. 

Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to begin using prescription delivery. Most companies that offer this service are not household names, and many patients have only used local retail pharmacies. Thankfully, it is not difficult to switch to a delivery service. Below, seniors and their caregivers can find information on the top prescription delivery companies, as well as guidance on which company is best for their unique circumstances.  

The Basics of Using Prescription Delivery Services

Before looking at the best companies, you’ll want to briefly review a few relevant terms and concepts in the pharmacy industry. The following information will help you understand what these services can and can’t do.

Typical Contents of a Prescription Delivery Service Box

*Note: Maintenance medication is a common term that just means any medications that need to be taken daily on a long-term basis. 

The above description of what typically is and isn’t included in a prescription delivery box is general; some companies will choose to exclude other items for cost or liability reasons. Some will also not ship to certain areas or will put other limits on their service. One extremely common service limit is that some companies will not include an over-the-counter item in your presorted medications unless your doctor agrees to write a prescription for it. It’s strange to need a prescription for an inherently non-prescription item, but most doctors will be happy to provide one as long as the item is truly beneficial to your health.

How Prescription Delivery Service Coverage Works

Presorted packaging, shipping, associated mobile apps, and consultations with pharmacists are usually all complimentary. You’ll still have copays as you would at any pharmacy. Your insurance company and/or the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) that your insurance uses will determine copay amounts. However, your insurance or PBM may limit which companies you can use. 

How We Selected the Top Prescription Delivery Services 

Now that you’re aware of what a prescription delivery service offers, you will want to find the company that best meets your specific needs. Below, we highlight the three main factors we took into consideration when creating this guide of the top prescription delivery services.

Pre-Sorted Medications

Mail-order pharmacies have multiplied in the United States primarily because of the internet. However, very few of the available mail-order pharmacies offer medications that are pre-sorted in easy-to-open packets. We looked at many online pharmacies in order to find the most reputable ones that offer this uncommon, but life-changing service. 

Coverage Options

We crafted our list to include a range of options for both insured and uninsured/underinsured patients. All companies on our list have active contracts with the majority of major health insurers, though many have one or two companies that they don’t currently contract with. We avoided brands that didn’t emphasize cooperation with major insurance plans. 

Widespread Service 

Many pharmacies across the nation offer pre-sorted medications on a strictly local or regional basis. The machines that package these medications are expensive but still within reach for some small pharmacies. However, since our readers come from all over the United States, we have only included companies on our list that have the staff and resources to serve seniors in all or most states.

The 6 Best Prescription Delivery Services

*Note: Insurance companies and their PBMs can change their networks rapidly. The provided information on coverage exclusions is based on each pharmacy’s disclosure of what plans they have contracts with. Other exclusions, particularly of very small insurance companies, may also exist.

SelectRx

Best Customer Experience

SelectRx helps simplify medication management for patients with chronic, complex conditions and those who take multiple medications. It has staff available to assist prospective customers with their registration over the phone and, once enrolled, maintains close contact through monthly check-ins. Customers never have to call for a refill, and SelectRx will initiate contact with healthcare providers and insurance companies for renewals of prescriptions. Staff will even create customized doses not offered by manufacturers, such as half-pills, and send refrigerated medications in temperature-controlled packaging. SelectRx staff also work as advocates for customers, identifying and helping fill any gaps in their healthcare as well as ensuring every customer is aware of available services and resources. SelectRx truly prioritizes the customer experience.   

Overview of SelectRx’s Services

The Pros and Cons of Using SelectRx’s Prescription Delivery Service

DivvyDOSE

Best Customer Service

DivvyDOSE is a full-service pharmacy that’s been delivering pre-sorted medications to seniors’ doors since 2015. Arvind Movva, a medical entrepreneur and a second-generation physician, founded the company in his home state of Iowa in hopes that it would increase the number of patients taking their prescribed medications. Once a relatively small privately-held business, DivvyDOSE has since been acquired by UnitedHealth Group, the United States’ largest health insurance company. The prescription delivery service continues to be known for its high quality of customer service and its passion for helping patients. From its 24/7 phone line to its “double your out-of-pocket costs” refund policy, DivvyDOSE constantly demonstrates its commitment to patient-first service.

Overview of DivvyDOSE Services

*Phone line is active 24/7 and a pharmacist can be reached at all times for urgent clinical questions or adverse reactions. Non-urgent emails or voicemails will be answered within 30 minutes during normal business hours.

The Pros and Cons of Using DivvyDOSE’s Prescription Delivery Service

ExactCare

Most Experience with Medication Management

Founded in 2009, ExactCare is a large healthcare company led by President & CEO Dale M. Wollschleger. The company’s business model is flexible, serving patients directly in their homes but also offering medication management solutions to hospitals and other large healthcare settings. ExactCare is well-known for helping other healthcare companies reduce their costs and improve patient health outcomes, and as a part of CarepathRx, it is included in a network that serves more than 15 health systems and 600 hospitals. ExactCare stands out as the company on our list that has been offering pre-sorted medications and other complex medication management services the longest. 

Overview of ExactCare Services

*Customer service representatives are available Monday-Friday 9am-6:30pm EST, but customers can leave a message for a 24/7 on-call pharmacist at any time.

The Pros and Cons of Using ExactCare’s Prescription Delivery Service

CVS SimpleDose

Best Rewards Program

The CVS brand has provided pharmacy services to Americans for over fifty years, and it’s offered its SimpleDose program for over seven years. Many seniors already use and trust one of roughly 9,900 CVS locations that are spread across forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. With millions of prescriptions dispensed each year, CVS has an incredible amount of experience helping patients. Aside from its very reliable service and long history, CVS is a popular choice due to the loyalty program that it offers. CVS is the only brand that actually gives store credits to patients as a reward for filling prescriptions. 

*Customer service is available 24/7, but pharmacist availability varies by location. 

The Pros and Cons of Using CVS SimpleDose’s Prescription Delivery Service

Accupac 

Most Transparent Safety Policies 

Accupac is a special division of Accuserv Pharmacy, a business with two locations in the state of Pennsylvania. Accuserv, a specialty pharmacy, helps patients manage uncommon or especially severe chronic diseases and conditions. The Accupac presorted medication pouches that Accuserv began offering in 2015 can be seen as a natural next step for this brand that was already invested in helping people with complex medication management. Accupac takes its responsibility to its customers extremely seriously. Online, customers can read about how Accupac uses a twelve-point electronic verification system, numerous pharmacist checks, and numbered pill pouches to keep orders accurate and ensure patient safety. 

Overview of Accupac* Prescription Delivery Services

The Pros and Cons of Using Accupac’s Prescription Delivery Service

PillPack

Best for Insurance Compatibility

T. J. Parker and Elliot Cohen founded PillPack in 2013 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Starting with just 50 customers, PillPack grew exponentially, shipping more than one million drug packages by 2015. Soon, its great success attracted the attention of larger businesses. Amazon acquired the company for $753 million in 2018, and afterward it became known as “PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy.” Part of PillPack’s popularity may be attributable to the fact that it is accessible and affordable for most people. The company works with all the major PBMs and insurance companies, and the only coverage exceptions that it lists on its website are some Medicaid and Medicare plans. Chances are extremely good that your insurance will be able to provide coverage for PillPack services. 

Overview of PillPack Prescription Delivery Services

*Note: Customer service representatives are available 8am-10pm EST, but pharmacists are available 24/7.

The Pros and Cons of Using PillPack’s Prescription Delivery Services

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company

Most Affordable

Investor Mark Cuban and CEO Dr. Alexander Oshmyansky teamed up to create Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company in January 2022. With a strong conviction that every American should have access to safe, affordable medicines, the pair saw an alternative to the ongoing problem of rising prescription drug costs. To provide medicines at the lowest possible price, the company cuts out the pharmacy middlemen and negotiates directly with manufacturers. Its fulfillment partner is Truepill, which fills prescriptions from a network of licensed pharmacists. All medications are then safely and conveniently shipped to your doorstep. By offering generic drugs as close to the manufacturer’s price as possible, this company is quickly gaining a reputation as offering the most affordable service in the space.

Overview of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company’s Services

*Note: Customer service representatives are available via an email contact form, but pharmacists are available 24/7.

The Pros and Cons of Cost Plus Drug’s Prescription Delivery Service

Insurance Coverage and Other Financial Assistance Options for Prescription Delivery Services

Affordability is always a concern when it comes to medication, especially for seniors seeking prescription delivery services on a tight budget. However, the potential costs shouldn’t make you overlook this valuable service. Prescription delivery services can help patients manage their medication, making it easier to adhere to their medical plan and live a happier, healthier life. 

Thankfully, financial assistance for prescription delivery services is available in several different forms to help those who need it. Whether through private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other organizations, you may be able to use a prescription delivery service for a low-cost or for free. Here, we explore some of the best resources for prescription delivery financial assistance. 

Does Private Insurance Cover Prescription Delivery Services?

In many cases, prescription home delivery coverage is available from private insurance companies. More and more providers are offering this coverage to help people manage the prescriptions they need to stay healthy. Check in with your provider to see if they offer home delivery and presorting. 

Keep in mind that even if your provider offers prescription delivery services, they may not partner with all delivery services. Reach out to your provider to learn more about your benefits. 

Medicare Prescription Delivery Benefits 

If you have Medicare Part D (a prescription drug plan or PDP), which covers prescription drugs, you’ll find that it most likely includes home delivery coverage. Even though private providers administer PDPs, they must follow all Medicare rules, which stipulate that the plans must offer enrollees many different pharmacies from which to choose. Often, prescription delivery services are included as one of these pharmacy options. 

Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans, which you also purchase through a private insurer, offer this benefit. If you require prescription delivery services, be sure to research each plan you’re considering to see if it’s included.

Ultimately, if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage, you likely have coverage for prescription delivery services. Call your Medicare PDP or Medicare Advantage plan provider to confirm if you’re unsure if the prescription or service you’d like to use is covered. 

Medicaid Coverage of Prescription Delivery

Medicaid may cover prescription delivery services, but it depends largely on where you live and your specific Medicaid plan. While pharmacy coverage is optional under Medicaid Law, as of 2022 all states provide some level of outpatient prescription drug coverage. 

However, while many states do provide prescription delivery coverage in their Medicaid programs, not all delivery services have contracts with them, so your options may be limited.

Because Medicaid coverage of prescription delivery services can vary by state, it’s important to know the specific rules where you live. Below is the contact information and website for Medicaid in each state so you can contact your state’s Medicaid office with any questions or concerns. 

Prescription Delivery Benefits for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers veterans and their families many health benefits, including prescription coverage. The VA Mail Order Pharmacy provides delivery for maintenance prescription medications. 

If you served active duty and did not receive a dishonorable discharge, you most likely qualify for VA Health Care. You must have served for 24 continuous months or for the full period of time that you were called to active duty. There are some exceptions to these requirements, including:

• You were honorably discharged for a hardship
• You were honorably discharged because of a disability that was caused by or worsened by your military service
• You served before September 7, 1980

In addition to the coverage provided through the VA, some prescription delivery services offer discounted rates for veterans and active duty service members, though the specific benefits vary from company to company.

If you aren’t currently enrolled in VA health care, you can apply online. 

​​State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Many states offer programs to help eligible residents afford prescription medication. Each state has its own eligibility requirements that patients must meet to receive financial aid, which may include income, age restrictions, certain medical conditions, and insurance coverage. 

Check if your state offers a pharmaceutical assistance program. 

Company Discounts and Prescription Discount Cards

In some cases, prescription delivery services themselves work with patients to help ease the cost of medication. They accomplish this by connecting you with a nonprofit or working directly with the manufacturer to tap into funding and discounts. While each company has its own abilities and policies, reaching out and discovering your options is a good idea.

Learn more about prescription discount cards and discover the best available options. 

Additional Financial Resources for Prescription Delivery Service

In addition to the resources discussed above, there are many nonprofits, organizations, and charities dedicated to helping people afford and obtain their prescription medications. Below, we list several national resources for seniors who need low-cost or free prescription delivery services.

How to Select and Use a Prescription Delivery Service 

If you’ve determined that you’re a good candidate for presorted medication services, then it’s time to dive deeper into how signing up works, how to pick the best company, and how to ensure success with your new medication routine.  

Step 1: Understand the Role of Each Responsible Party

Getting a prescription transferred and filled with a prescription delivery service requires the cooperation of numerous players in the healthcare system. Below you can explore the responsibilities of each person or organization during the transfer process. Note that there can be slight variations, but in general the following “job descriptions” are accurate. This information refers primarily to the transfer process, but some responsibilities will be ongoing. 

Prescription Delivery Service Responsibilities: 

• Reach out to doctors, other pharmacies, insurance companies, and PBMs in order to coordinate the transfer of all relevant prescriptions 
• Inform patients of changes to copays, coverage difficulties, or delays with transferring or synching up refills 
• Answer patient questions and inform the patient of legal obligations, fees, or any other relevant information

Insurance Company Responsibilities:

• Provide prescription coverage (amount varies, some insurance offers no drug coverage)
• Communicate with the patient and with the prescription delivery service when requested

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Responsibilities:

• Create a formulary that determines which medications are covered by insurance
• Negotiate drug prices with manufacturers
• Determine your copays 
• Cooperate with the prescription delivery service when requested

Retail Pharmacy Responsibilities:

• Promptly transfer prescriptions upon receiving a request 
• Retain and continue filling any prescriptions that cannot be filled by the prescription delivery service

Doctor Responsibilities: 

• Write new prescriptions if the old pharmacy refuses to release a prescription (rare but possible)
• Write new prescriptions for 30-day refills if the patient was previously using 90-day refills
• Communicate with the prescription delivery service and patient as needed

Step 2: Make Your Provider Selection

Now that you understand the roles of all responsible parties in this industry, it’s time to select a prescription delivery service. There’s no perfect way to select a company, but the tips below will help you make an informed choice.

Tips for Narrowing Down Your Choices:

• Coverage and Cost: Eliminate any companies that your insurance considers out-of-network. Copays should be similar at most covered companies, but do ask about hidden fees such as shipping costs, just in case. If you’re going to get OTC items from the company, make sure the costs won’t be unusually high. Be aware that switching from 90-day to 30-day refills will cause a cost increase at any company.
• Customer Service: Speak with someone in customer service over the phone. Ask how often the company will communicate with you, and about what. Ask what makes the company’s customer service special, and take notes regarding the answer. 
• News and Reviews: Find out what customers complain about and what they like. Look into whether or not the company has made it into the news. Use this research to refine any questions you may have for customer service.
• Apps: Look into any mobile apps that the company may offer as part of its service. Consider whether you’d like to use the app to set medication reminders, track deliveries, and more. 
• Exclusions: Some companies exclude certain states or zip codes from their shipping service. Some also exclude certain important items or have somewhat irritating requirements such as getting prescriptions for over-the-counter items. Make sure none of these exclusions or stipulations is going to be a deal-breaker for you.

Step 3: Sign Up and Transfer Prescriptions 

When you sign up for a service, you’ll need to have all of your medical information within easy reach. Some companies will have you complete paperwork online, while others will help you with the process of signing up primarily over the phone. More rarely, some companies will send a representative to your home to help you sign up in person. In any case, it’s going to be the prescription delivery service’s responsibility to take all your information and then make numerous phone calls to get all of your prescriptions transferred. You shouldn’t have to do much other than provide the contact information and medication list.

Once the company has all of your prescriptions, it may take them some time to get them all synced up so that they can ship all maintenance medications in one 30-day roll of packets. During sign up, ask the company how long you’ll need to wait for your first box. Make sure you also ask if the company plans to get partial fills on some prescriptions in order to make the process easier. Each company treats the process a little differently. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough medication to get you by while you wait two or more weeks for your first full box.

Step 4: Practice Safe Patient Habits

Once you start getting your presorted medications, you can expect adhering to your prescribed regimen to be far easier than it was before. However, you’ll still need to follow a few simple guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

• Check for Errors: It’s important that you know what your pills look like and what dosage they should come in. Presorted pills are usually sorted by a machine and then checked by pharmacists for accuracy. Mistakes are unlikely but still possible, and they can be very harmful. If something looks wrong or is missing, call the company right away to figure out your next steps.
• Report Symptoms: You may have changed to a pharmacy that isn’t local to you, but the pharmacists at the new company are still responsible for helping you understand your medications. If you develop a symptom that may be a medication side effect, don’t hesitate to call the service’s pharmacist for advice. If it’s an emergency, call 911. 
• Store Correctly: By choosing pre-sorted medications delivery, you’re choosing to receive most or all of your prescriptions in a form that isn’t childsafe or pet-safe. Be diligent to get your box off your porch right away if that’s where it’s delivered. Keep your medications in a high, childsafe cabinet or lockbox, particularly if minors live in or visit your home. Additionally, make sure that your medications are kept at whatever temperature is required.