It can be cheaper to have prescriptions delivered by an online pharmacy, as many offer a better price on common prescription drugs than  mail-order or brick and mortar pharmacies. However, customers  do have to shop around and compare prices for the prescriptions they need. Consumer Reports compared the costs of five generic drugs at seven online pharmacies and found that at four online pharmacies the drugs cost less than the $12 average insurance copay, at two others, some of the drugs cost even less than $12 and at one other online pharmacy, they cost more than that. 

Ordering Prescriptions Online

There is a difference between mail-order pharmacies and online pharmacies. While both deliver prescriptions to your home, mail-order pharmacies operate through health plans, helping insurance companies control the prescriptions their policyholders have access to and offering customers the convenience of having their medications delivered to their door. Online pharmacies may or may not accept insurance for prescription drugs; many don’t. The online providers in the Consumer Reports study said they don’t accept insurance to keep their prices low by eliminating charges and fees associated with the drug distribution chain. 

Ordering from online pharmacies is usually the most cost-effective, but it’s also the most risky. Online pharmacies are notorious for selling counterfeit prescriptions and operating without adequate licensing, so it’s important to do some research before making any purchases. Ordering prescriptions through mail-order pharmacies is generally one of the safest ways to order prescriptions online as these pharmacies are backed by insurance providers and are required to have adequate licensing.  

When selecting an online pharmacy to shop with, consumers need to know how to confirm if the pharmacy is licensed and safe to order from. They can follow the FDA’s BeSafeRx guidelines, and before purchasing, they can confirm the pharmacy’s license with their state’s governing agency.

Having Prescriptions Delivered By a Local Pharmacy

Many pharmacies across the United States offer home delivery for faxed-in prescriptions, phoned-in prescriptions and prescription refills. While this service is convenient and safe, it can also come with extra fees if the pharmacy doesn’t provide free delivery. Before requesting delivery from a local pharmacy, customers should inquire about delivery charges as well as delivery methods and timeframes. 

Learn More About Prescription Delivery Services