- Reviewed by John Krahnert
With the upcoming presidential election intersecting with the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a lot of talk lately about mail-in voting.
For Medicare beneficiaries, there’s another type of mail-in service worth discussing.
Many of today’s Medicare Part D (prescription drug) and MAPD (Medicare Advantage with prescription drug coverage) plans now offer members the ability to order prescription drugs online and have their medications delivered right to their front door.
Here are seven things to know about mail-order prescription drugs.
1. The service pre-dates COVID-19.
Delivering prescription drugs through the mail is not something that Medicare only implemented in response to the pandemic.
The service was already being utilized well before the outbreak, and its continued popularity should ensure that it stays in place for years to come.
2. It’s offered by a large number of plans.
More and more Part D and Medicare Advantage plans are beginning to offer mail-order prescription drug services, and there’s a good chance that there’s a plan near you doing the same.
3. You can obtain larger supplies through the mail.
At the pharmacy, you’ll typically be limited to just a 30-day supply of your prescription. But the mail-order services often allow for quantities of up to 90 days.
4. You can save money.
Most of the mail-order services are offered with free shipping, and many of the costs are lower than what you’ll pay at the pharmacy (plus you’re saving money on gas).
5. There are multiple ways to order.
You can typically place orders for drugs online, over the phone or by mail, giving you plenty of options to select the drugs of your choice.
6. You can receive specialty and brand-name drugs.
Mail-order services are not limited to just generic drugs. Many specialty and brand name drugs can also be delivered right to your home.
7. Drugs are delivered in about a week.
The typical turnaround time for a prescription refill is about one week from the time of order placement until it arrives at your door.
Find a plan with mail-order benefits
Find a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan with prescription drug mail-order benefits in your area by calling to speak with a licensed insurance agent. You can also compare plans online to find a plan that fits your needs and covers your prescription drugs.
Find Medicare drug coverage in your area
Compare plans nowOr call 1-800-557-6059 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
