COMMON PHARMACY QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Are independent pharmacies more expensive?
NO
Independent pharmacies tend to do better than big chain drugstores with regards to cost. Independent pharmacy patients often report that the pharmacist suggested a lower-cost drug while chain pharmacists often do not. Worse, national chains tend to have some of the highest out-of-pocket prices.
Do independent pharmacies accept most insurances?
YES
Large insurance companies spend a lot of time and money telling patients that they are required to use certain pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. Oftentimes, you can use a local pharmacy, you just do not know it. Before taking the word of your insurance provider, call to see what your copay is.
Do independent pharmacies have what I need?
YES
21 percent of Consumer Reports members reported that a drug they needed was out of stock in the past year. As a group, independent pharmacies were more likely than other types of pharmacies to fill the prescription later that same day or the next. Members who used an independent pharmacist were also more likely to say that the pharmacy went out of its way to fill prescriptions faster.