Yes, Walgreens accepts Medicare at nearly all of its locations
Walgreens is an in-network pharmacy for most Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D). This means you can fill prescriptions at Walgreens using your Medicare card, and your plan will cover the cost according to your coverage rules. However, not every Walgreens location participates in every Medicare plan, and your out-of-pocket cost depends on which specific plan you have and which tier your medication is on.
The key is to check your plan's pharmacy network before you fill a prescription. Your plan documents list which Walgreens locations are in-network for you. If you fill a prescription at an out-of-network pharmacy, you will pay more or may not get coverage at all.
Key Takeaways
- Walgreens participates in most Medicare Part D plans, but you should verify your specific plan's network before filling prescriptions.
- Your out-of-pocket cost at Walgreens depends on your plan's formulary, your deductible status, and which tier your medication is on.
- You can check whether a specific Walgreens location is in-network by calling your plan, visiting your plan's website, or using the Medicare.gov plan finder.
- If your medication is not covered or costs too much, ask your doctor or pharmacist about generic alternatives or whether your plan covers the drug at a different tier.
How to verify your Walgreens is in-network
Your Medicare Part D plan has a list of pharmacies it covers. Walgreens is large enough that most plans include it, but your specific location might not be. Before you fill a prescription, confirm that your Walgreens is in-network for your plan.
Call your plan's customer service number (on the back of your Medicare card) and give them the Walgreens address or store number. They can tell you in minutes whether that location is in-network. You can also log into your plan's website and search for pharmacies by zip code, or use the Medicare.gov plan finder tool to see which pharmacies your plan covers in your area.
If your nearest Walgreens is out-of-network, ask your plan which pharmacies are in-network near you. CVS, Rite Aid, and independent pharmacies may be options depending on your plan.
What your costs will be at Walgreens
Your out-of-pocket cost when you fill a prescription at Walgreens depends on three things: whether you have met your deductible, which tier your medication is on, and how much your plan covers.
Most Medicare Part D plans have a deductible you pay before the plan starts to help. Once you meet it, you pay a copay (a fixed amount like $5 or $10) or coinsurance (a percentage of the cost). Generic medications are usually on a lower tier and cost less. Brand-name drugs are on higher tiers and cost more. Some medications may not be covered at all, or may require your doctor to get prior approval from your plan before the pharmacy can fill it.
Your plan documents list which medications are on which tier and what you will pay. If you do not have your documents, log into your plan's website or call the number on your Medicare card to ask about a specific medication's cost.
What to do if your medication is not covered or costs too much
If Walgreens tells you your medication is not covered or the cost is higher than you expected, you have options. First, ask the pharmacist whether a generic version is available and covered at a lower tier. Generic medications work the same way as brand-name drugs but cost much less.
Second, ask your doctor whether there is a different medication on your plan's formulary that treats the same condition. Your doctor's office can check your plan's coverage before you go to the pharmacy, which saves time and frustration.
Third, you can ask your doctor to request an exception from your plan. If your doctor believes you need a specific medication that is not covered or is on a high tier, they can submit a request to your plan asking for coverage or a lower copay. Your plan has to respond within 72 hours.
Using Walgreens with different Medicare plans
Walgreens works differently depending on which type of Medicare coverage you have. If you have Original Medicare (Part A and B only, with no Part D), Walgreens will fill your prescriptions, but Medicare will not help pay for them — you pay the full cost. You would need to enroll in a standalone Part D plan to get prescription coverage.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), that plan includes prescription coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans use Walgreens as an in-network pharmacy, but you should check your plan's formulary to be sure. If you have a Medigap plan, it does not cover prescriptions — you need a separate Part D plan for that.
What to bring to Walgreens
Bring your Medicare card and your Part D plan card when you fill a prescription at Walgreens. The pharmacist will need both to process your prescription and explore your coverage. If you do not have your Part D plan card yet, bring your Medicare card and the plan name or member ID number.
If your prescription requires prior approval from your plan, the Walgreens pharmacist can submit the request on your behalf. This usually takes one to two business days. Ask the pharmacist to let you know when the approval comes through so you can pick up your medication.
When to contact your plan or Walgreens
Contact your plan if you have questions about whether a medication is covered, what your copay will be, or whether you need prior approval. Contact Walgreens if you have questions about filling your prescription, picking it up, or refilling it. If you disagree with your plan's decision to deny coverage or charge a high copay, you can file an appeal with your plan — your plan documents explain how.
If you are having trouble affording your medications even with Medicare coverage, ask your doctor or pharmacist about patient information programs run by drug manufacturers. These programs sometimes offer free or low-cost medications to people who meet income requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicare card at any Walgreens?
Most Walgreens locations accept Medicare, but not all are in-network for every Medicare plan. Call your plan or check its website to confirm your specific Walgreens location is in-network before you fill a prescription. If it is out-of-network, you will pay more or may not get coverage.
What if I fill a prescription at an out-of-network Walgreens by mistake?
You will pay the full cost upfront. You may be able to get reimbursed if you submit a claim to your plan with your receipt, but this depends on your plan's rules. Call your plan to ask whether you can get reimbursed and what paperwork you need to submit.
Does Walgreens charge different prices to Medicare and non-Medicare customers?
Walgreens charges the same price to everyone for the same medication. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your Medicare plan's coverage, not on Walgreens' pricing. However, your plan may negotiate a lower price with Walgreens than what a person without insurance would pay.
Can I transfer my prescription from another pharmacy to Walgreens?
Yes. Call the Walgreens pharmacy and give them your prescription number from your current pharmacy. Walgreens can request the prescription electronically or by phone. This usually takes a few hours. Make sure the Walgreens location is in-network for your Medicare plan before you transfer.
What happens to my prescriptions if I switch Medicare plans?
Your prescriptions do not automatically transfer. When your new plan starts, you will need to fill prescriptions using your new plan's pharmacy network. If your new plan does not cover a medication your old plan did, talk to your doctor about alternatives or ask your new plan about an exception.