For many caregivers, a trip to the pharmacy is a familiar errand that can consume precious hours; waiting in line, navigating traffic, and hoping the prescription is ready and covered. This routine task, while essential, can become a significant source of weekly stress.
But what if you could streamline this process, freeing up your time and mental energy while ensuring your loved one’s medications arrive reliably at their door? Mail-order pharmacies offer a modern solution that goes beyond mere convenience.
Let’s explore the key advantages that can make medication management safer, simpler, and surprisingly cost-effective for you and your loved ones.
One way to save time and money on prescription medication refills is to use a mail-order pharmacy. MedicareFAQ explains how mail order pharmacies work, why they’re increasing in popularity, and how they’re different from online pharmacies.
If you’d like to skip the hassle of going to the local pharmacy to refill your older adult’s prescriptions in person each month, consider switching to a mail-order pharmacy.
Mail order pharmacies often offer lower-cost prescription refills that are delivered right to your older adult’s door through the insurance company’s contracted provider.
Over the years, mail-order pharmacies have grown in popularity, especially among people enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Nearly half of all Medicare Part D beneficiaries utilize mail-order pharmacy benefits.
How do Mail-Order Pharmacies Work?
Mail-order pharmacies work similarly to traditional pharmacies, minus the in-person aspect.
Most Medicare Part D plans have mail-order pharmacies assigned to each insurance carrier that provide benefits to their policyholders.
Enrolling in a mail order pharmacy can be done a few different ways, but the easiest way is to have the prescribing doctor fax the prescription directly to the mail order pharmacy.
Since there will be a delay while the medications are mailed, if a prescription is needed right away, it’s a good idea to fill it at a local pharmacy for the first time and set up mail order for future refills.
Place refill orders up to 2 weeks before they’re needed to ensure plenty of time to receive the drugs, or sign up for automatic refills if available.
Why Mail-Order Pharmacies are Popular Among Medicare Part D Beneficiaries
You might be wondering, “Why are mail-order pharmacies so popular?”
The easy answer is Covid-19. However, the global pandemic is not the only reason mail-order pharmacy usage is on the rise.
Often, when using a mail-order pharmacy through the insurance company, drug prices are as low – or even lower – than at the local preferred pharmacy.
So you’re eliminating a time-consuming errand and potentially saving on drug costs.
Another reason mail-order pharmacies are gaining so much recognition is because of their level of customer service.
When using a mail-order pharmacy, sorting out prescription issues, checking refill status, and getting answers to questions about prescription history is simple and can be done online.
In addition, most mail-order pharmacies offer a telephone helpline that lets you speak directly with a pharmacist for assistance with whatever you need.
VIDEO: The Advantages of Mail-Order Pharmacies
Mail Order Pharmacy vs. Online Pharmacy
It’s easy to confuse mail-order pharmacies with online pharmacies. However, the two types of pharmacy are quite different.
When you think of a mail-order or online pharmacy, you imagine ordering prescriptions and having them delivered right to your front door.
This is also true for online pharmacies, but that’s where their similarities end.
Mail order pharmacy
A mail-order pharmacy is a service that the insurance company provides directly.
The mail order pharmacy can easily access insurance information, track prescription refill dates, and properly submit claims. They can also supply 90-day prescription refills.
Online pharmacy
Online pharmacies are more like traditional pharmacies or drugstores.
This means that they won’t always accept your older adult’s insurance coverage. Online pharmacies must verify insurance coverage before submitting a prescription order.
Often, Medicare Part D plans will only provide coverage if you use their specified mail order carrier and won’t provide coverage for medication you order through an online pharmacy.
Will Mail-Order Prescriptions Work for Your Loved One?
To know if a mail-order pharmacy is the best option for your older adult, consider the pros and cons.
Ask yourself, “How will I benefit from the use of a mail-order pharmacy?” If you want to eliminate the hassle of going to the pharmacy in person and waiting in line, you may benefit from the mail-order option.
Comparing drug prices is also essential.
You may find that one drug costs less through the mail-order system, while another costs more than at the local pharmacy.
It’s a good idea to shop around when using a mail-order pharmacy to ensure you’re paying the lowest possible cost for each medication.
Lastly, if your older adult changes insurance companies, it’s essential to compare their future mail-order pharmacy to their current carrier. Some insurance companies offer great mail-order pharmacies, while others may not offer this service at all.
If you have questions about your older adult’s mail-order pharmacy, the easiest way to learn more is by contacting their insurance company. They will have all the information needed to get started using a mail-order pharmacy.
Final Thoughts Around Mail-Order Pharmacies
Embracing a mail-order pharmacy isn’t just about changing how medications are delivered; it’s about upgrading your entire approach to medication management.
The benefits of automatic refills, home delivery, and potential cost savings collectively create a more streamlined and less stressful system. This allows you to redirect your energy from logistical chores to what truly matters—meaningful time with your loved one.
If the constant trip to the pharmacy is a drain on your resources, consider making the switch. It could be the simple change that grants you more calm and control in your caregiving journey.
Recommended for you:
- 7 Ways for Seniors to Reduce the Cost of Prescription Drugs
- What Does Medicare Cover? Find Out Before the Bills Arrive
- Get Medicare Advice From State Counseling Programs
Guest contributor: Jagger Esch is a Medicare expert and the founder, president, and CEO of MedicareFAQ. He has been working in the Medicare space for over 10 years. Jagger has a passion for sharing his Medicare expertise with beneficiaries so they can be better prepared for health care costs after retirement.
I live in Tucson, AZ and from Mid May to Oct, we have triple digit temperatures. I live in a Mobile Home Park and we have metal mail boxes. Since I can’t see the boxes where my mail is placed, I have no idea when the mailman delivers. So, having had mail order, one 110 degree day, I picked up my mail about 4pm. It was HOT. So, when I got to my house, I put a thermometer into the bottle of pills and the temp inside was 150 degrees! No drug can withstand high temperatures, so, I have to go to my pharmacy several times a month to get my prescriptions!
That’s a great point! For people living in very hot places, this might not be a good solution.
In case you haven’t already, you might speak with your pharmacy to see if they can schedule the refills for one day (or at least coordinate as many Rx’s as possible) so you can reduce the number of trips you need to make to the pharmacy.