2 Major Drugstore Chains Waiving Fees for Prescription Delivery

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Woman with prescription drug bottle
Andy Dean Photography / Shutterstock.com

As cases of COVID-19 spread across the U.S., two major drugstore chains are encouraging their customers to remain at home by offering free home delivery of prescription medications.

Both Walgreens and CVS are making these changes as health officials recommend that people stay home in an effort to tamp down community transmission of the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

However, Walgreens says it’s “waiving delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions during this evolving situation” and does not define “eligible.” So, contact your local pharmacy if in doubt.

Additionally, Walgreens is offering free delivery on all purchases on Walgreens.com until further notice. In other words, there is no minimum purchase requirement to qualify for free shipping.

Walgreens also notes that in 14 U.S. cities, it now offers home delivery of health and wellness and convenience products, including certain over-the-counter medications, from Walgreens stores via the on-demand delivery service Postmates. This service is not free, however.

Public health officials are urging people to stay home and avoid crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic. On Sunday, the CDC urged that all groups and individuals “cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.”

Because many people are expected to remain at home for a prolonged period, experts also are recommending stocking up on prescription drugs when possible. AARP notes this can be challenging, but is increasingly an option:

“The advice may seem easier said than done, given that pharmacies and prescription plans typically have rules on when patients can refill their medications. But in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, some of these rules are starting to relax.”

So, ask your health insurer or pharmacy if it is possible to get access to an extended supply of your medications. For example, you may request going from a 30-day supply to a 90-day supply.

What is the minimum amount of a prescription you need to feel safe? In the AARP story, Dr. Irwin Redlener, a pediatrician and director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, suggests having at least two weeks of extra supplies on hand during times like these.

Looking for the best prescription drug prices? PharmacyChecker can help.

Which medications are you keeping on hand to see you through the coronavirus crisis? Let us know in comments below or on our Facebook page.

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