When your to-do list gets overwhelming, the last thing you want to do is deal with switching pharmacies. But transferring a prescription to another pharmacy is easier than you think and can often save you money.
We’ll show you how to compare the cost of your medicines at different pharmacies and make the switch in three easy steps.
Pharmacies do their best to make transferring a prescription as easy as possible. The next time you need to transfer a prescription, follow these three steps to ensure your experience is seamless and stress-free.
1. Select a new pharmacy
There are a lot of reasons that you may need to switch to a new pharmacy, like a move, convenience or a change to your health insurance. Take some time to search your health plan’s network of pharmacies and shop around to find the lowest price for your prescriptions at a pharmacy near you.
2. Gather your personal and prescription information to start the transfer
Once you’ve chosen a pharmacy, you can start the prescription transfer process with them over the phone, in person or online. The new pharmacy will need to collect some information from you, including:
- Full name and date of birth
- Home address and phone number
- Prescription insurance information, if applicable
- Any known allergies
- Phone number and address of your old pharmacy
- The name of the prescription(s) you want to transfer
- When you need your next refill (you can start the transfer process now and refill when you’re ready)
3. Complete the transfer
The amount of time it takes to transfer a prescription varies depending on the pharmacy and how many prescriptions are being transferred. Some pharmacies may send you text or email updates while you wait so you can follow your request in real time.
Why your prescription transfer could be denied
Transferring a prescription to another pharmacy is usually very simple and stress free, but if you run out of refills, it could cause your request to be denied.
In most instances, your pharmacy can request a refill on your behalf, but sometimes you may need to contact your clinician to get a new prescription. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, your clinician may need to do an exam or blood work to make sure your current medicine is still the best option for you.
How to compare prescription costs at different pharmacies
Has the cost of your prescriptions gone up? It could be your pharmacy. According to Consumer Reports, prescription medicine prices can vary by as much as ten times between pharmacies. And the best price may not be at the pharmacy you think. Sometimes, smaller pharmacies offer medicines at lower prices than larger retailers.
Before you decide to transfer your prescription, you may want to take some time to compare costs at different pharmacies. If you’re a HealthPartners member, we’re always working behind the scenes to help you get your medicine at the best price. And we have resources that make it easy for you to compare the costs of your medicines online or over the phone.
Compare prescription costs online
Many health plans have an online tool to help you compare the costs of your prescriptions at different pharmacies in your area. Keep in mind that your final out-of-pocket cost will depend on how your health insurance covers medicines under your health plan.
If you’re a HealthPartners member, you can compare the costs of your medicines here.
Compare prescription costs over the phone
You can call your health insurance member services line to compare the costs of your prescriptions at different pharmacies. If you’re a HealthPartners member, call 866-836-6938 and ask to talk to a Pharmacy Navigator. They can help review your options for the best price.
If the numbers make sense, it’s easy to transfer your prescriptions to a different pharmacy.