How We Found The Best Prescription Delivery Services
40+ Research Hours
10+ Companies Considered
6 Companies Selected
7+ Experts Consulted

What You Should Know

  • 85% of adults aged 60 or older take prescription medication in any given month.
  • The more complicated a medical plan becomes, the less likely patients are to adhere to it.
  • Prescription delivery services offer seniors a simple solution to medication management, helping them stay in better health. 
  • Many delivery services have active contracts with the majority of major health insurers.
  • Other financial resources are available to help seniors afford prescription delivery services.

Prescription delivery services have taken off in the last decade, offering seniors a worry-free solution to medication management. With these services, medications come presorted in a perforated roll of pouches, each carefully labeled with its contents as well as the date and time it should be opened. Such services are a vast improvement over the generic multi-compartment plastic pillboxes that can be frustrating to fill and easy to mix up. In contrast, prescription delivery services help seniors who take multiple medications and their caregivers keep things simple and well-organized. 

Making things easier is important to seniors’ health and quality of life. According to the American Medical Association, the chance that a patient will not adhere to his or her medical plan goes up as it becomes more complicated and additional medications are prescribed. Beyond this, factors like a lack of reliable transportation may also contribute to problems. However, the good news is that using a prescription delivery service also eliminates the need for most trips to the pharmacy. 

Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to begin using prescription delivery. Most companies that offer this service are not household names, and many patients have only used local retail pharmacies. Thankfully, it is not difficult to switch to a delivery service. Below, seniors and their caregivers can find information on the top prescription delivery companies, as well as guidance on which company is best for their unique circumstances.  

The Basics of Using Prescription Delivery Services

Prescription Delivery Basics

Before looking at the best companies, you’ll want to briefly review a few relevant terms and concepts in the pharmacy industry. The following information will help you understand what these services can and can’t do.

Typical Contents of a Prescription Delivery Service Box

What’s usually in the box...

-30 days of presorted prescription and/or over-the-counter (OTC) maintenance medications*
-As-needed medications in separate bottles
-Syrups, insulin, syringes, test strips, creams, eye-drops, or other non-pill items
-A cold pack (if needed)
-A printed medication list
-Any required drug safety information

What usually NOT in the box...

-Highly regulated Schedule II drugs
-Compounded medications
-Childsafe packaging
-90-day refills of medications
-Medications that you need right away

*Note: Maintenance medication is a common term that just means any medications that need to be taken daily on a long-term basis. 

The above description of what typically is and isn’t included in a prescription delivery box is general; some companies will choose to exclude other items for cost or liability reasons. Some will also not ship to certain areas or will put other limits on their service. One extremely common service limit is that some companies will not include an over-the-counter item in your presorted medications unless your doctor agrees to write a prescription for it. It’s strange to need a prescription for an inherently non-prescription item, but most doctors will be happy to provide one as long as the item is truly beneficial to your health.

How Prescription Delivery Service Coverage Works

Presorted packaging, shipping, associated mobile apps, and consultations with pharmacists are usually all complimentary. You’ll still have copays as you would at any pharmacy. Your insurance company and/or the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) that your insurance uses will determine copay amounts. However, your insurance or PBM may limit which companies you can use. 

How We Selected the Top Prescription Delivery Services 

Now that you’re aware of what a prescription delivery service offers, you will want to find the company that best meets your specific needs. Below, we highlight the three main factors we took into consideration when creating this guide of the top prescription delivery services.

Pre-Sorted Medications

Mail-order pharmacies have multiplied in the United States primarily because of the internet. However, very few of the available mail-order pharmacies offer medications that are pre-sorted in easy-to-open packets. We looked at many online pharmacies in order to find the most reputable ones that offer this uncommon, but life-changing service. 

Coverage Options

We crafted our list to include a range of options for both insured and uninsured/underinsured patients. All companies on our list have active contracts with the majority of major health insurers, though many have one or two companies that they don’t currently contract with. We avoided brands that didn’t emphasize cooperation with major insurance plans. 

Widespread Service 

Many pharmacies across the nation offer pre-sorted medications on a strictly local or regional basis. The machines that package these medications are expensive but still within reach for some small pharmacies. However, since our readers come from all over the United States, we have only included companies on our list that have the staff and resources to serve seniors in all or most states.

The 6 Best Prescription Delivery Services

Notable Service Limits

Notable Coverage Exclusions*

Shipping Service Limits

Serves Patients Who Lack Drug Coverage?

App Availability

24/7 Support

-Some OTCs, vitamins, supplements may need to remain in bottles or original packaging

None

California and

North Carolina

Yes

None

No

-Unusual 28-day billing cycle only

-Some OTCs require a prescription

-Humana Plans

-Many Medicaid plans

None

No

None (one is currently in development)

Yes

None

-Humana Plans
-VA Plans

None 

Yes

Apple and Android

No

OTCs require prescription

None

Some regional limits, call for details

Yes

None

Yes

OTCs require prescription

-Humana
-Medicare plans for those under 65

15+ state exclusions

Yes

Apple and Android 



No

None

-Medicare Part B

-Many Medicaid plans

Hawaii

Yes

None 

Yes

*Note: Insurance companies and their PBMs can change their networks rapidly. The provided information on coverage exclusions is based on each pharmacy’s disclosure of what plans they have contracts with. Other exclusions, particularly of very small insurance companies, may also exist.

SelectRx

Best Customer Experience

SelectRx helps simplify medication management for patients with chronic, complex conditions and those who take multiple medications. It has staff available to assist prospective customers with their registration over the phone and, once enrolled, maintains close contact through monthly check-ins. Customers never have to call for a refill, and SelectRx will initiate contact with healthcare providers and insurance companies for renewals of prescriptions. Staff will even create customized doses not offered by manufacturers, such as half-pills, and send refrigerated medications in temperature-controlled packaging. SelectRx staff also work as advocates for customers, identifying and helping fill any gaps in their healthcare as well as ensuring every customer is aware of available services and resources. SelectRx truly prioritizes the customer experience.   

Overview of SelectRx’s Services

Notable Service Limits

-Some OTCs, vitamins, and supplements may need to be in bottles or original packaging

Notable Coverage Exclusions

None

Shipping Service Limits

California and North Carolina

Serves Uninsured Patients? 

Yes

24/7 Support

No

App Availability

None

The Pros and Cons of Using SelectRx’s Prescription Delivery Service

Pros:

  • Pharmacists check in monthly and are diligent about making sure customers’ boxes are up-to-date and accurate.
  • If a delivery is late, representatives will contact the shipping carrier to locate the package, and if lost, will work with insurance to get an override for lost medications.
  • Customer care representatives connect customers with other available services and resources in their area.
  • Representatives work as healthcare advocates, identifying and helping to fill in gaps in customer healthcare.

Cons:

  • SelectRx does not offer an app on any platform.
  • SelectRx does not service California or North Carolina and may pause enrollment in a state temporarily due to large increases in applications.

DivvyDOSE

Best Customer Service

DivvyDOSE is a full-service pharmacy that’s been delivering pre-sorted medications to seniors’ doors since 2015. Arvind Movva, a medical entrepreneur and a second-generation physician, founded the company in his home state of Iowa in hopes that it would increase the number of patients taking their prescribed medications. Once a relatively small privately-held business, DivvyDOSE has since been acquired by UnitedHealth Group, the United States’ largest health insurance company. The prescription delivery service continues to be known for its high quality of customer service and its passion for helping patients. From its 24/7 phone line to its “double your out-of-pocket costs” refund policy, DivvyDOSE constantly demonstrates its commitment to patient-first service.

Overview of DivvyDOSE Services

Notable Service Limits 

-Unusual 28-day billing cycle only

-Some OTCs require a prescription

Notable Coverage Exclusions

-Humana Plans

-Many Medicaid plans

Shipping Service Limits

None

Serves Uninsured Patients 

No

24/7 Support

Yes*

App Availability

None (one is currently in development)

*Phone line is active 24/7 and a pharmacist can be reached at all times for urgent clinical questions or adverse reactions. Non-urgent emails or voicemails will be answered within 30 minutes during normal business hours.

The Pros and Cons of Using DivvyDOSE’s Prescription Delivery Service

Pros:

  • DivvyDOSE offers a Happiness Guarantee and will refund unhappy customers double their out-of-pocket costs for the first 30 days of service.
  • Deliveries include an easy-to-use medication list with pictures of the medications, dosage information, and directions.
  • Offers refunds on late deliveries.
  • Sign up is easy and should take less than 5 minutes.

Cons:

  • DivvyDOSE uses a 28-day bill cycle, instead of the common 30-day cycle, which means many patients are billed one extra copay every other year.
  • A mobile app is currently in development, although the DivvyDOSE website states one is already available.

ExactCare

Most Experience with Medication Management

Founded in 2009, ExactCare is a large healthcare company led by President & CEO Dale M. Wollschleger. The company’s business model is flexible, serving patients directly in their homes but also offering medication management solutions to hospitals and other large healthcare settings. ExactCare is well-known for helping other healthcare companies reduce their costs and improve patient health outcomes, and as a part of CarepathRx, it is included in a network that serves more than 15 health systems and 600 hospitals. ExactCare stands out as the company on our list that has been offering pre-sorted medications and other complex medication management services the longest. 

Overview of ExactCare Services

Notable Service Limits

None

Notable Coverage Exclusions

-Humana Plans
-VA Plans

Shipping Service Limits

None

Serves Uninsured Patients? 

Yes

24/7 Support?

No*

App Availability

Apple and Android

*Customer service representatives are available Monday-Friday 9am-6:30pm EST, but customers can leave a message for a 24/7 on-call pharmacist at any time.

The Pros and Cons of Using ExactCare’s Prescription Delivery Service

Pros:

  • ExactCare has paused home visits due to COVID-19, but this is typically a service offered to customers.
  • In depth consultations are available over the phone, and employees actively look for potential hazardous medication interactions.
  • The “MyECP” app allows patients to set up medication reminders, track deliveries, learn about medications, and more.
  • “MyECP” information is also available on the web, and patients can share access with caregivers and family.

Cons:

  • There are some negative customer reviews about prescription transfers and late shipments, but there are also many positive reviews.

CVS SimpleDose

Best Rewards Program

The CVS brand has provided pharmacy services to Americans for over fifty years, and it’s offered its SimpleDose program for over seven years. Many seniors already use and trust one of roughly 9,900 CVS locations that are spread across forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. With millions of prescriptions dispensed each year, CVS has an incredible amount of experience helping patients. Aside from its very reliable service and long history, CVS is a popular choice due to the loyalty program that it offers. CVS is the only brand that actually gives store credits to patients as a reward for filling prescriptions. 

Notable Service Limits 

OTCs require a prescription

Notable Coverage Exclusions

None

Shipping Service Limits

Some regional limits, call for details 

Serves Uninsured Patients? 

Yes

24/7 Support

Yes*

App Availability

None

*Customer service is available 24/7, but pharmacist availability varies by location. 

The Pros and Cons of Using CVS SimpleDose’s Prescription Delivery Service

Pros:

  • 24/7 phone line to speak to a customer service representative.
  • All copays must be paid at once, but customers can set billing dates to whenever is convenient.
  • Offers up to $50 in prescription rewards for using SimpleDose to fill prescriptions.
  • Due to the wide availability of CVS stores, many seniors already have relationships with staff who can help with advice or to resolve issues.

Cons:

  • To receive SimpleDose boxes automatically, customers must take the extra step to enroll in auto-refill after enrolling in SimpleDose.
  • To receive prescription rewards, customers must enroll in both regular ExtraCare and ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards.

Accupac 

Most Transparent Safety Policies 

Accupac is a special division of Accuserv Pharmacy, a business with two locations in the state of Pennsylvania. Accuserv, a specialty pharmacy, helps patients manage uncommon or especially severe chronic diseases and conditions. The Accupac presorted medication pouches that Accuserv began offering in 2015 can be seen as a natural next step for this brand that was already invested in helping people with complex medication management. Accupac takes its responsibility to its customers extremely seriously. Online, customers can read about how Accupac uses a twelve-point electronic verification system, numerous pharmacist checks, and numbered pill pouches to keep orders accurate and ensure patient safety. 

Overview of Accupac* Prescription Delivery Services

Notable Service Limits

OTC require a prescription

Notable Coverage Exclusions

-Humana

-Medicare plans for those under 65

Shipping Service Limits

15+ states excluded

Serves Uninsured Patients? 

Yes

24/7 Support

No

App Availability

Apple and Android 

The Pros and Cons of Using Accupac’s Prescription Delivery Service

Pros:

  • Helpful website with an easy-to-read and informative FAQ section as well as explainer videos and visuals.
  • Presorted packets go through a 12-point electronic verification system as well as manual pharmacist checks to ensure accuracy.
  • If there is ever a delivery error, Accupac will refund customers the cost of the medication.
  • Pharmacists are available 7 days a week and customers can leave a message and get a call-back.

Cons:

  • Accepts credit cards, but customers must contact the company to make alternative forms of payment.
  • Acupac does not ship to more than 15 states.

PillPack

Best for Insurance Compatibility

T. J. Parker and Elliot Cohen founded PillPack in 2013 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Starting with just 50 customers, PillPack grew exponentially, shipping more than one million drug packages by 2015. Soon, its great success attracted the attention of larger businesses. Amazon acquired the company for $753 million in 2018, and afterward it became known as “PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy.” Part of PillPack’s popularity may be attributable to the fact that it is accessible and affordable for most people. The company works with all the major PBMs and insurance companies, and the only coverage exceptions that it lists on its website are some Medicaid and Medicare plans. Chances are extremely good that your insurance will be able to provide coverage for PillPack services. 

Overview of PillPack Prescription Delivery Services

Notable Service Limits

None

Notable Coverage Exclusions

-Medicare Part B

-Many Medicaid plans

Shipping Service Limits

Hawaii

Serves Uninsured Patients? 

Yes

24/7 Support

Yes*

App Availability

None

*Note: Customer service representatives are available 8am-10pm EST, but pharmacists are available 24/7.

The Pros and Cons of Using PillPack’s Prescription Delivery Services

Pros:

  • Online chat option available on website.
  • Easy to navigate website.
  • Alerts customers to especially high prices and delays charges so customers have time to contact their insurance.
  • In-network pharmacy with all major pharmacy benefit managers.

Cons:

  • In the past, PillPack has been involved in litigation alleging bad business practices.

Other Prescription Delivery Services To Consider

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company

Most Affordable

Investor Mark Cuban and CEO Dr. Alexander Oshmyansky teamed up to create Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company in January 2022. With a strong conviction that every American should have access to safe, affordable medicines, the pair saw an alternative to the ongoing problem of rising prescription drug costs. To provide medicines at the lowest possible price, the company cuts out the pharmacy middlemen and negotiates directly with manufacturers. Its fulfillment partner is Truepill, which fills prescriptions from a network of licensed pharmacists. All medications are then safely and conveniently shipped to your doorstep. By offering generic drugs as close to the manufacturer’s price as possible, this company is quickly gaining a reputation as offering the most affordable service in the space.

Overview of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company’s Services

Notable Service Limits

OTCs require a prescription

Notable Coverage Exclusions

Only accepts Rightway prescription insurance

Shipping Service Limits

None

Serves Uninsured Patients? 

Yes

24/7 Support

Yes*

App Availability

No

*Note: Customer service representatives are available via an email contact form, but pharmacists are available 24/7.

The Pros and Cons of Cost Plus Drug’s Prescription Delivery Service

Pros:

  • Affordable drug costs
  • No hidden fees – Manufacturing, pharmacy labor, and shipping costs are all clearly explained on the website
  • Pharmacists are available 24/7 for consultations or questions about medications
  • Ships to all 50 states

Cons:

  • Does not offer pre-sorted medication packages
  • Offers limited list of medications

More Prescription Delivery Services

Insurance Coverage and Other Financial Assistance Options for Prescription Delivery Services

Affordability is always a concern when it comes to medication, especially for seniors seeking prescription delivery services on a tight budget. However, the potential costs shouldn’t make you overlook this valuable service. Prescription delivery services can help patients manage their medication, making it easier to adhere to their medical plan and live a happier, healthier life. 

Thankfully, financial assistance for prescription delivery services is available in several different forms to help those who need it. Whether through private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other organizations, you may be able to use a prescription delivery service for a low-cost or for free. Here, we explore some of the best resources for prescription delivery financial assistance. 

Does Private Insurance Cover Prescription Delivery Services?

In many cases, prescription home delivery coverage is available from private insurance companies. More and more providers are offering this coverage to help people manage the prescriptions they need to stay healthy. Check in with your provider to see if they offer home delivery and presorting. 

Keep in mind that even if your provider offers prescription delivery services, they may not partner with all delivery services. Reach out to your provider to learn more about your benefits. 

Medicare Prescription Delivery Benefits 

If you have Medicare Part D (a prescription drug plan or PDP), which covers prescription drugs, you’ll find that it most likely includes home delivery coverage. Even though private providers administer PDPs, they must follow all Medicare rules, which stipulate that the plans must offer enrollees many different pharmacies from which to choose. Often, prescription delivery services are included as one of these pharmacy options. 

Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans, which you also purchase through a private insurer, offer this benefit. If you require prescription delivery services, be sure to research each plan you’re considering to see if it’s included.

Ultimately, if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage, you likely have coverage for prescription delivery services. Call your Medicare PDP or Medicare Advantage plan provider to confirm if you’re unsure if the prescription or service you’d like to use is covered. 

Medicaid Coverage of Prescription Delivery

Medicaid may cover prescription delivery services, but it depends largely on where you live and your specific Medicaid plan. While pharmacy coverage is optional under Medicaid Law, as of 2022 all states provide some level of outpatient prescription drug coverage. 

However, while many states do provide prescription delivery coverage in their Medicaid programs, not all delivery services have contracts with them, so your options may be limited.

Because Medicaid coverage of prescription delivery services can vary by state, it’s important to know the specific rules where you live. Below is the contact information and website for Medicaid in each state so you can contact your state’s Medicaid office with any questions or concerns. 

State

State Medicaid Website

State Medicaid Contact

Alabama

334-242-5000

Alaska

800-780-9972

Arizona

855-432-7587

Arkansas

855-372-1084

California

800-541-5555

Colorado

800-221-3943

Connecticut

800-842-1508

Delaware

800-464-4957

District of Columbia

202-645-4614

Florida 

877-711-3662

Georgia

404-651-9982

Hawaii

808-524-3370

Idaho

877-456-1233

Illinois

800-843-6154

Indiana

800-457-4584

Iowa

855-889-7985

Kansas

800-792-4884

Kentucky

800-635-2570

Louisiana

888-342-6207

Maine

207-287-3707

Maryland

877-463-3464

Massachusetts

800-841-2900

Michigan

800-642-3195

Minnesota

651-431-2700

Mississippi

800-421-2408

Missouri

800-735-2466

Montana

800-362-8312

Nebraska

855-632-7633

Nevada

800-992-0900

New Hampshire

800-852-3345

New Jersey

nj.gov 

800-356-1561

New Mexico 

888-997-2583

New York

800-541-2831

North Carolina

800-662-7030

North Dakota

800-472-2622

Ohio

800-324-8680

Oklahoma

800-522-0310

Oregon

800-527-5772

Pennsylvania

800-692-7462

Rhode Island

401-462-5300

South Carolina

888-549-0820

South Dakota 

800-597-1603

Tennessee

800-342-3145

Texas

877-541-7905

Utah

800-662-9651

Vermont

800-250-8427

Virginia

804-786-7933

Washington

800-562-3022

West Virginia

800-642-8589

Wisconsin

800-362-3002

Wyoming 

866-571-0944

Prescription Delivery Benefits for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers veterans and their families many health benefits, including prescription coverage. The VA Mail Order Pharmacy provides delivery for maintenance prescription medications. 

If you served active duty and did not receive a dishonorable discharge, you most likely qualify for VA Health Care. You must have served for 24 continuous months or for the full period of time that you were called to active duty. There are some exceptions to these requirements, including:

  • You were honorably discharged for a hardship
  • You were honorably discharged because of a disability that was caused by or worsened by your military service
  • You served before September 7, 1980

In addition to the coverage provided through the VA, some prescription delivery services offer discounted rates for veterans and active duty service members, though the specific benefits vary from company to company.

If you aren’t currently enrolled in VA health care, you can apply online. 

​​State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Many states offer programs to help eligible residents afford prescription medication. Each state has its own eligibility requirements that patients must meet to receive financial aid, which may include income, age restrictions, certain medical conditions, and insurance coverage. 

Check if your state offers a pharmaceutical assistance program. 

Company Discounts and Prescription Discount Cards

In some cases, prescription delivery services themselves work with patients to help ease the cost of medication. They accomplish this by connecting you with a nonprofit or working directly with the manufacturer to tap into funding and discounts. While each company has its own abilities and policies, reaching out and discovering your options is a good idea.

Learn more about prescription discount cards and discover the best available options. 

Additional Financial Resources for Prescription Delivery Service

In addition to the resources discussed above, there are many nonprofits, organizations, and charities dedicated to helping people afford and obtain their prescription medications. Below, we list several national resources for seniors who need low-cost or free prescription delivery services.

Resource

Contact

How They Help

Good Days

877-968-7233 or visit www.mygooddays.org

Provides financial assistance to people with chronic conditions who have been prescribed an FDA-approved treatment for the diagnosis

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief (CPR)

866-512-3861 or visit

copays.org

Provides financial assistance for copays for those who have insurance but are still struggling to afford their medication.

Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation

866-316-7263 or visit

panfoundation.org

Covers out-of-pocket expenses for those who meet certain financial and medical criteria.

Patient Services Inc.

Provides financial assistance for co-pays, and premiums, along with legal advice and other forms of medical assistance. 

How to Select and Use a Prescription Delivery Service 

How to Select and Use a Prescription Delivery Service 

If you’ve determined that you’re a good candidate for presorted medication services, then it’s time to dive deeper into how signing up works, how to pick the best company, and how to ensure success with your new medication routine.  

Step 1: Understand the Role of Each Responsible Party

Getting a prescription transferred and filled with a prescription delivery service requires the cooperation of numerous players in the healthcare system. Below you can explore the responsibilities of each person or organization during the transfer process. Note that there can be slight variations, but in general the following “job descriptions” are accurate. This information refers primarily to the transfer process, but some responsibilities will be ongoing. 

Prescription Delivery Service Responsibilities: 

  • Reach out to doctors, other pharmacies, insurance companies, and PBMs in order to coordinate the transfer of all relevant prescriptions 
  • Inform patients of changes to copays, coverage difficulties, or delays with transferring or synching up refills 
  • Answer patient questions and inform the patient of legal obligations, fees, or any other relevant information

Insurance Company Responsibilities:

  • Provide prescription coverage (amount varies, some insurance offers no drug coverage)
  • Communicate with the patient and with the prescription delivery service when requested

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Responsibilities:

  • Create a formulary that determines which medications are covered by insurance
  • Negotiate drug prices with manufacturers
  • Determine your copays 
  • Cooperate with the prescription delivery service when requested

Retail Pharmacy Responsibilities:

  • Promptly transfer prescriptions upon receiving a request 
  • Retain and continue filling any prescriptions that cannot be filled by the prescription delivery service

Doctor Responsibilities: 

  • Write new prescriptions if the old pharmacy refuses to release a prescription (rare but possible)
  • Write new prescriptions for 30-day refills if the patient was previously using 90-day refills
  • Communicate with the prescription delivery service and patient as needed

Step 2: Make Your Provider Selection

Now that you understand the roles of all responsible parties in this industry, it’s time to select a prescription delivery service. There’s no perfect way to select a company, but the tips below will help you make an informed choice.

Tips for Narrowing Down Your Choices:

  • Coverage and Cost: Eliminate any companies that your insurance considers out-of-network. Copays should be similar at most covered companies, but do ask about hidden fees such as shipping costs, just in case. If you’re going to get OTC items from the company, make sure the costs won’t be unusually high. Be aware that switching from 90-day to 30-day refills will cause a cost increase at any company.
  • Customer Service: Speak with someone in customer service over the phone. Ask how often the company will communicate with you, and about what. Ask what makes the company’s customer service special, and take notes regarding the answer. 
  • News and Reviews: Find out what customers complain about and what they like. Look into whether or not the company has made it into the news. Use this research to refine any questions you may have for customer service.
  • Apps: Look into any mobile apps that the company may offer as part of its service. Consider whether you’d like to use the app to set medication reminders, track deliveries, and more. 
  • Exclusions: Some companies exclude certain states or zip codes from their shipping service. Some also exclude certain important items or have somewhat irritating requirements such as getting prescriptions for over-the-counter items. Make sure none of these exclusions or stipulations is going to be a deal-breaker for you.

Step 3: Sign Up and Transfer Prescriptions 

When you sign up for a service, you’ll need to have all of your medical information within easy reach. Some companies will have you complete paperwork online, while others will help you with the process of signing up primarily over the phone. More rarely, some companies will send a representative to your home to help you sign up in person. In any case, it’s going to be the prescription delivery service’s responsibility to take all your information and then make numerous phone calls to get all of your prescriptions transferred. You shouldn’t have to do much other than provide the contact information and medication list.

Once the company has all of your prescriptions, it may take them some time to get them all synced up so that they can ship all maintenance medications in one 30-day roll of packets. During sign up, ask the company how long you’ll need to wait for your first box. Make sure you also ask if the company plans to get partial fills on some prescriptions in order to make the process easier. Each company treats the process a little differently. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough medication to get you by while you wait two or more weeks for your first full box.

Step 4: Practice Safe Patient Habits

Once you start getting your presorted medications, you can expect adhering to your prescribed regimen to be far easier than it was before. However, you’ll still need to follow a few simple guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

  • Check for Errors: It’s important that you know what your pills look like and what dosage they should come in. Presorted pills are usually sorted by a machine and then checked by pharmacists for accuracy. Mistakes are unlikely but still possible, and they can be very harmful. If something looks wrong or is missing, call the company right away to figure out your next steps.
  • Report Symptoms: You may have changed to a pharmacy that isn’t local to you, but the pharmacists at the new company are still responsible for helping you understand your medications. If you develop a symptom that may be a medication side effect, don’t hesitate to call the service’s pharmacist for advice. If it’s an emergency, call 911. 
  • Store Correctly: By choosing pre-sorted medications delivery, you’re choosing to receive most or all of your prescriptions in a form that isn’t childsafe or pet-safe. Be diligent to get your box off your porch right away if that’s where it’s delivered. Keep your medications in a high, childsafe cabinet or lockbox, particularly if minors live in or visit your home. Additionally, make sure that your medications are kept at whatever temperature is required.

Why Do Seniors Find It Difficult to Adhere to Medication Plans?

Many seniors see multiple doctors, and this can result in communication failures between providers and the possibility of numerous prescriptions that may not even be compatible. Seniors may also feel their medications are “wrong” or just too complicated. Moreover, any senior who struggles with vision, dexterity, or cognitive function will be further frustrated in their efforts to manage their own medications. 

What Is Medicare Part D and Will it Cover a Prescription Delivery Service?

Medicare Part D plans are the part of Medicare that offers prescription drug coverage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies but are designed to work with Original Medicare or with Medicare Advantage. They are highly regulated, and information on how they work can be found on the Medicare website. If you have Part D, you can ask your plan about your options. You can also contact a prescription delivery service and ask them to look into your insurance coverage.

Why Did My Costs Go Up When I Switched to a Prescription Delivery Service?

Switching from a 90-day to a 30-day refill plan could have caused a price increase for your prescriptions. 30-day refills are required for most prescription delivery services, but, per pill, they tend to cost more than “bulk” 90-day refills. Other possible reasons your price might have gone up include an unresolved issue with your insurance, a high price on an over-the-counter item that you added, or a hidden fee such as a shipping fee that you didn’t realize you’d be charged. 

Just How Automated Are Prescription Delivery Services?

Some companies are highly reliant on sophisticated computer programs that handle everything from automatic refills, to bills, to dispensing. However, even companies that have a high level of automation in their system should have humans double-checking orders and reaching out to patients with concerns or to verify any changes. Safety redundancies are vital in the pharmacy industry. 

Do Prescription Delivery Services Screen Medication Lists for Harmful Drug Interactions?

Your prescription delivery service should have a pharmacist that screens your medication list for harmful drug interactions. The company may also have a computer system that flags potential issues. However, mistakes are still possible. Problems occur most often when you see multiple doctors or have multiple chronic conditions. If you have a large number of medications, ask how the company can help with “reconciling” your medications and making changes where necessary in consultation with your doctors.