Medicare Mail Order Pharmacy: Save on Prescriptions

Mail order pharmacy is one of the easiest ways to save on Medicare prescription costs. Here's how it works and whether it makes sense for your medications.

What Is Mail Order Pharmacy?

Mail order pharmacy delivers prescription medications directly to your home, typically in 90-day supplies. Most Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage drug plans offer mail order options, often through preferred mail order pharmacies.

How Mail Order Saves Money

90-Day Supply Pricing

The primary savings come from 90-day supply pricing:

| Supply | Retail (3 fills) | Mail Order (1 fill) | |--------|------------------|---------------------| | 90 days | 3 × $15 = $45 | $30-$35 | | Annual savings | - | $40-$60 per drug |

Preferred Mail Order Pharmacies

Many plans have "preferred" mail order pharmacies with the lowest copays:

• Express Scripts
• CVS Caremark
• OptumRx
• Plan-specific mail services

Using the plan's preferred mail order pharmacy often cuts costs by 25-50% versus retail.

Which Medications Work for Mail Order?

Ideal for Mail Order

• Maintenance medications taken regularly (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc.)
• Medications with stable dosages
• Non-refrigerated medications
• Medications you'll take long-term

Better at Retail

• Short-term prescriptions (antibiotics, pain medications)
• Medications requiring frequent dosage changes
• Temperature-sensitive medications
• Controlled substances (some restrictions apply)
• Medications you need immediately

Setting Up Mail Order

Step 1: Check Your Plan's Mail Order Option

• Review your plan materials or call member services
• Identify the preferred mail order pharmacy
• Understand copay differences vs. retail

Step 2: Get a 90-Day Prescription

Ask your doctor to write:

• 90-day supply
• With refills for the year
• May need specific notation for mail order

Step 3: Enroll and Order

• Register with the mail order pharmacy
• Transfer prescriptions or submit new ones
• Set up auto-refill to ensure continuity

Mail Order Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Cost savings: Often 10-30% cheaper than retail
• Convenience: Delivered to your door
• Never run out: Auto-refill ensures continuous supply
• Less pharmacy trips: Especially valuable with mobility issues
• Consistent supply: No pharmacy stockouts

Disadvantages

• Shipping time: 7-10 days for delivery
• Planning required: Must order before running out
• Less pharmacist interaction: Limited face-to-face counseling
• Delivery issues: Porch theft, weather damage
• Not all medications available: Some restrictions apply

Comparing Mail Order Costs

When evaluating mail order:

1. Check your plan's copay structure: - Retail 30-day copay - Retail 90-day copay (if available) - Preferred mail order 90-day copay

2. Calculate annual costs: - Retail: Monthly copay × 12 - Mail order: 90-day copay × 4

3. Consider convenience value: - Fewer pharmacy trips - Auto-refill reliability - Home delivery

Tips for Mail Order Success

Start Before You Run Out

Allow 2-3 weeks for first orders. Don't wait until you're nearly out of medication.

Use Auto-Refill

Most mail order pharmacies offer automatic refills. This prevents gaps in medication.

Confirm Delivery

Track shipments and ensure someone can receive temperature-sensitive medications.

Keep Some Retail Access

For urgent needs or immediate changes, know which retail pharmacies are in-network.

Review Annually

Mail order copays change annually. Verify your plan's mail order still offers the best value each year.

The Bottom Line

Mail order pharmacy is an easy win for most Medicare beneficiaries taking maintenance medications. The combination of cost savings and convenience makes it worth using for appropriate prescriptions. Just plan ahead to ensure you never run out.

Want to know if mail order works for your medications? Our free review compares total drug costs including mail order options across all available plans.