How do mail-order pharmacies work?
What is a mail-order pharmacy?
A mail-order pharmacy is a licensed pharmacy that delivers prescription medications straight to your home. Using this service can be especially useful if you take medications daily, are critically ill, don't live near a pharmacy, or lack transportation.
It's best for medications for chronic health conditions. If you've been prescribed medication for short-term use, such as antibiotics to fight an infection, it's best to stick with your local pharmacy.
Benefits of mail-order pharmacies
The most obvious benefit of using a mail-order pharmacy is having medications delivered straight to your door. But that's not the only perk.
Mail-order options can also save you money because you can typically get a larger supply than refilling a prescription at an in-person pharmacy. For example, an in-person pharmacy may supply a 30-day refill, while a mail-order pharmacy gives a 90-day supply.
Not having to worry about picking up prescriptions in person makes taking medications easier. According to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) claims data, people who received 90-day mail-order prescriptions take their medicine as prescribed 82% of the time, compared to just 52% of those who fill 30-day prescriptions in person.
How to get started
Similar to local pharmacies, you should search for an in-network mail-order option.
To keep it simple for Blue Cross NC members, our plans include access to Amazon Pharmacy for their prescriptions.
After you've found an in-network mail-order pharmacy to use, ask your doctor to send your prescriptions there.
Once a medication becomes part of your routine, you can use the mail-order pharmacy for your refills and new prescriptions.
A pharmacist will check it for accuracy and then it will be shipped directly to you. Typically, prescriptions are filled for a 90-day supply.
It can take several days for first-time processing orders, so if your prescription is about to run out, it may be best to have it refilled at your local pharmacy.
