Prescription drugs are very common in the United States, and nearly half of all American adults have used at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days. Medication use is especially common among older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Unfortunately, many of those who rely on prescription medications find that managing their meds is a real challenge. 

Getting prescriptions filled on time, traveling to and from the pharmacy, and paying for recurring monthly dispensing fees can make it hard for seniors to stay on top of their much-needed medications. The COVID-19 pandemic has also added worries about exposure to contagious viruses when visiting stores and pharmacies, especially for anyone at an increased risk of severe illness due to advanced age or comorbidities. 

The good news is that there are now a number of prescription delivery services, also known as mail-order pharmacies, that cater to consumers who prefer to have their medications sent directly to their home or office. 

While prescription delivery services have gained popularity in recent years, the practice actually dates back to the mid-1970s when the Department of Veterans Affairs began filling and mailing prescriptions to veterans through regional pharmacies. The VA now distributes over 330,000 prescriptions each week from its national mail-order pharmacy headquartered at the Leavenworth VA Medical Center in Kansas. 

In this guide we examine what a mail-order pharmacy is, the pros and cons of using a pharmacy delivery service, and who can benefit from home-delivered medications. There’s also a brief overview of the sign-up process, and a list of frequently-asked questions about medication delivery services. 

What Is Pharmacy Delivery?

Pharmacy delivery services provide individuals with an easy way to manage their medications while reducing costs for insurance providers. These services give seniors the option of having their prescription medications delivered directly to their home, place of business or even their vacation property, eliminating the need for most in-person pharmacy visits. 

According to a recent poll of adults aged 50 to 80, nearly 25% of Americans in this age group receive one or more prescription medications by mail. Of those, over one-third have insurance providers that mandate the use of a prescription delivery service. 

What You Should Know About Pharmacy Delivery

Prescription delivery services are included with many insurance plans, and in some cases, beneficiaries can only receive their covered prescription medications by mail. This is largely because insurance companies can purchase commonly used drugs in large quantities from manufacturers, resulting in lower operating costs. 

Here’s what you need to know about pharmacy delivery services:

  • If your prescriptions are covered under insurance, you may be automatically enrolled in a home medication delivery service by your provider.
  • Studies have shown that diabetics and cardiac patients who use a mail-order service are more likely to comply with their prescription treatment plans than those who pick up their medications at a local pharmacy. 
  • In addition to prescription drugs, mail-order pharmacies can supply syringes, diabetes test strips and over-the-counter medications.
  • Medications such as insulin that require refrigeration can be safely shipped using cold packs and specialized insulated containers.  
  • A few pharmacy delivery services give you the option of having medications sorted into individual pill packs that are dated and time-stamped. 

Pros and Cons of Pharmacy Delivery Services

Although mail-order pharmacies offer an attractive alternative to filling prescriptions at a brick-and-mortar store, pharmacy delivery services aren’t right for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to consider before signing up for a prescription delivery service:

Pros:

  • Free standard shipping is offered by most mail-order pharmacies.
  • By law, all prescriptions filled by a pharmacy delivery service are checked by a licensed pharmacist before being shipped out.
  • Most insurance plans let beneficiaries order a 90-day supply of long-term maintenance medications, which can reduce copay costs.
  • Prescription delivery services eliminate trips to the local pharmacy, which can save seniors time, money and exposure to contagious illnesses.
  • Most prescription delivery services have pharmacists available to talk with seniors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Prescription delivery services can deliver to whichever address is convenient for the individual, including business addresses and vacation homes.
  • Most mail-order pharmacies will contact the prescribing physician on behalf of the senior when a long-term prescription is up for renewal.
  • These services may help older adults and people living with disabilities remain independent in their own homes.

Cons:

  • Usually can't be used for same-day and urgent prescriptions that need to be filled immediately, such as antibiotics.
  • Because most mail-order pharmacies send refills automatically, recipients must inform the pharmacy of any changes in medications well in advance to stop delivery.
  • Some pharmacy delivery services only offer expensive, brand-name drugs rather than lower-cost generics.
  • Insured individuals may need to pay out-of-pocket for a 7-14 day supply of meds while their prescription is transferred to and processed by the pharmacy delivery service
  • Seniors may not be able to speak with the same pharmacist each time they call.
  • Inclement weather and labor disruptions can lead to <a href="https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/lab-notes/mail-delays-may-affect-medication-supply-for-nearly-1-4-americans-over-50">delays in medication deliveries</a>.
  • As with any delivery, there's always a risk of theft, loss or damage when having medications delivered.
  • Very few mail-order pharmacies offer compounding services, which may be an issue for those requiring specialized formulations.

Who Should Consider Prescription Deliveries?

A mail-order pharmacy may be the right choice for: 

  • Seniors who are housebound
  • People who have mobility limitations
  • Individuals who are looking to reduce the time they spend managing their prescriptions
  • Anyone who appreciates the convenience of home-delivered goods and services
  • Busy professionals and parents
  • Those who take long-term medications to manage chronic conditions
  • Consumers who don’t have a pharmacy nearby

Prescription delivery services may also help you save money on your medications, since most mail-order pharmacies deliver 90-days worth of drugs at a time. 

How to Sign Up for Prescription Delivery

The sign-up process varies between prescription delivery companies, but in most cases, there’s no cost to enroll with a mail-order pharmacy. 

Some insurance companies will automatically enroll beneficiaries in an affiliated medication delivery service, while others give seniors the option to choose which mail-order pharmacy they use. 

Most prescription delivery services have a website with a secure sign-up form for new enrollees, as well as a toll-free number that you can call to arrange the transfer of your prescriptions. 

FAQs


Can you use a prescription delivery service and a local pharmacy at the same time?



Yes. Many individuals who use mail-order pharmacies continue to use their local brick-and-mortar store for short-term prescriptions such as antibiotics, as well as to purchase over-the-counter medications.


What happens if a prescription is lost in transit?



While the risk of loss or theft is very low, if this does occur, the pharmacy will resend the medication at no cost to the recipient.


Can the medications be sent to a caregiver, neighbor or family member?



Most mail-order pharmacies give you the option of having prescriptions sent to a trusted neighbor, family member or caregiver. The delivery address can also be changed on a temporary basis if you’re going out of town or hospitalized.