Mail order prescriptions

Going to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription today can be annoying and is completely unnecessary.The cost of prescription drugs rises every year and without insurance benefits they are becoming more costly to employers.Companies have come up with a way to save money, mail order prescriptions.Whether you now it or not, mail order pharmacy services has saved thousands of companies money in health care costs.Lets' look at some of the basics.

What is it?
Let's first take a look at retail pharmacies.They deal with every level of prescriptions; emergency, compounds, and maintenance medications.They produce huge profits.Places like Walgreen's and Rite-Aid are just two examples of retail pharmacies.In contrast, a Pharmacy Benefits Managers program or PBM is a main order pharmacy run by specific insurance companies.These companies are for maintenance medications or "chronic conditions" like high cholesterol or high blood pressure.They are not designed for emergency medications.Most plans will allow two fills of a maintenance medication and then you must set up a mail order account through your insurance.

Advantages to using mail orders
If you haven't ever tried using mail order pharmacy services and are unsure what the benefits would be then here are some advantages to using it:
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• Save on gas.With gas prices so high lately you won't have to waste anymore gas going to the pharmacy to pick up your prescription.The medications are shipped directly to your house.You don't even have to pay shipping your medication so it actually costs the same as it would if you went to the pharmacy to pick it up.


• - Generally when you place a mail order you get more of what you need.The orders are larger and will last longer, in comparison to medications you get at the pharmacy that will usually only last a week, maybe two.


• - Sometimes can cost you less.If, for example you ordered a 90 day supply of Lipitor using mail order services.You would pay approximately $40, where as with a retail pharmacy you would be almost $60 and maybe more.


• - There is generally a registered pharmacist on call 24 hours a day to help with questions and concerns.

When every penny counts and things are tight this is a great way to save some money every month.

Disadvantages to using mail orders
Along with the advantages of using mail order services there are some disadvantages as well:
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• Using a retail pharmacy gives a slightly more personal touch to the visit.With a retail pharmacy you have personal attention to questions and concerns about the medication you are taking.They are always available and knowledgeable.


• - Most retail pharmacies are the first to get cost saving generic drugs which can save you just as much money as mail order services.


• - To some receiving personalized service is important which is exactly what a retail pharmacy can give and an insurance company cannot.Sometimes trying to get a hold of an insurance company is as bad as waiting online to talk about your phone bill.

Mail order prescriptions definitely have their advantages as well as their disadvantages.The choice is of course of to you and what you prefer.