How to Get Prescription Drugs by Mail Order

Many health insurers and some retail pharmacies offer prescription drugs by mail order. Getting prescription drugs through the mail may be appealing if you're looking for convenience and saving money. However, it could take over a week before you receive the medication. According to MedlinePlus, receiving drugs through mail order is the best choice for long-term medications that treat chronic problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Employer Health Plan

• Most employees of a company that offers a health plan with drug coverage have the opportunity to order medications through the mail. Health insurers often hire Pharmacy Benefits Managers, or PBMs, to oversee prescription drug coverage, as stated in an article by Philly.com. PBMs purchase medications in large quantities directly from the drug companies so they can offer drug discounts to customers that order through the mail. Check your health plan’s website and employee benefit booklet to find out if your health plan uses a PBM.

Drug Store Chains

• Large drugstore chains have services that allow customers to order drugs through the mail. Walgreens and Wal-Mart give customers the option to have prescriptions mailed to their home. A legitimate mail order pharmacy will be licensed by the state board of pharmacists.

Patient Assistance Program

• Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are run by many pharmaceutical companies offering limited quantities of low-cost or free mail order medications to patients who do not qualify for other forms of assistance. Rx Outreach is a patient assistance program that allows patients access to over 400 prescription medications through its mail order pharmacy. This program is for uninsured and underinsured individuals and families who otherwise could not afford to buy their medicine.

AARP Discount Prescription Medication Program

• Members of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) can get a mail-order discount prescription medication program that is managed by Walgreens pharmacy. This is a good option if members do not have health insurance with drug coverage. To enroll, AARP members must first log in at aarppharmacy.com, set up an account and then register with Walgreens Mail Service.