isn't mail order prescriptions supposed to be cheaper?

[Kristie]

I figured i'd mail order my new bcp prescription this time around and noticed that the shipping fee is $14....that seems awfully high to me. Do they ship via fedex because they don't mention that on the website nor give you an option on shipping at all.

So, compared to putting the prescription in at the pharmacy or mail order..if i do it via mail order i save one measly DOLLAR. yep, that's it... one dollar.

Is there really a point to getting a cheaper drug cost thru mail order (ie: $75/90day supply) or pharmacy ($90/90day supply)?

are we sticking it to "the man" by going via mail order and saving that one little dollar? what would be a viable reason to go thru mail order vs pharmacy at this point?

just figured i'd ask to see if there was one or not. If it makes a point for something like sending in one more statistic for less expensive medications or something, then i'll do it...if not, i probably won't.

[roz]

I've never heard of the shipping charges. Our insurance is with Aetna and there are no charges for shipping. DH orders on line and it arrives in two days in a discreet package! Who is the insurance carrier? I can ask about it on Monday.

[rgphib]

I was going to say the same thing as Roz....I have only done mail order once (for my fertility drugs) but I didn't have to pay shipping. I just checked out my insurance companies website and it says free shipping on mail order prescriptions....we have Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare through my school district (until I stay home...then we will have to switch to DH carrying the healthcare, hope Southwest is better than ExpressJet!).

[Bigsweetie]

[quote=Kristie;43183]I figured i'd mail order my new bcp prescription this time around and noticed that the shipping fee is $14....that seems awfully high to me.quote]

$14 for shipping? What is your prescription.... a lead suppliment?

Yea, that seems wierd to me too!!

[Kristie]

Originally Posted by roz

I've never heard of the shipping charges. Our insurance is with Aetna and there are no charges for shipping. DH orders on line and it arrives in two days in a discreet package! Who is the insurance carrier? I can ask about it on Monday.

United Healthcare. they use medco pharmacy or something like that.

thanks for offering to check on it roz!

I tend to wonder if it isn't a charge for "overnight" shipping. I may have read the form wrong if that's the case, then i need new lenses for my glasses

[Dana]

Originally Posted by Kristie

United Healthcare. they use medco pharmacy or something like that.

I tend to wonder if it isn't a charge for "overnight" shipping. I may have read the form wrong if that's the case, then i need new lenses for my glasses

Umm, ya. We have United also and use MedCo. Looking at the form right now. We have never had shipping charges, EVER. You must have requested overnight...
If you phone in, fax or call it is 5-8 days and mail expect 7-11 for delivery. They come out of Tempe

Usually you save one copay. IE if your copay is $25 and you mail order for 3 mo's your co-pay is usually $50/ for 3 mo's. you save one month on ordering mail order.

If you are taking a med that has a generic, always check Target, Wallmart and Costco for $4.00 (YES, FOUR $) scripts. There are hundreds of drugs offered at that level. Unfortunately, most birth control is not that cheep

[Kristie]

lesson learned! i must've filled out the form wrong. Luckily, it's not out the door yet (stamped but not out the door)...I'll just start the process over again.

[roz]

On the Aetna form, it asks the same information about rush delivery--additional charges apply. There is no charge for standard delivery.

Returning Customers

New Prescriptions or Refills of existing prescriptions

1. Complete Sections A, B and C of the Order Form.
2. Complete the Patient Registration Form ONLY if your member information
has changed.
3. Mail the Order Form and Patient Registration Form with your prescription(s)
and method of payment to us.

Refill orders can also be placed by visiting Aetna Rx Home Delivery - Home Page
or by calling 1-866-612-3862 (TDD: 1-800-201-9457).
Method of Delivery:

o Standard

o

Rush (additional charges apply)

[Amanda]

Originally Posted by roz

I've never heard of the shipping charges. Our insurance is with Aetna and there are no charges for shipping. DH orders on line and it arrives in two days in a discreet package! Who is the insurance carrier? I can ask about it on Monday.

I'm with Aetna too and use Caremark for the mail prescriptions. At my company we have no choice for 'regular' prescriptions (like my BC pills). They are cheap and arrive quickly!