Yes, Walgreens accepts Medicare at nearly all of its locations
Walgreens is an in-network pharmacy for most Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans that include pharmacy coverage. This means you can fill prescriptions at Walgreens using your Medicare card, and your plan will help pay for the medication. However, not every Walgreens location accepts every Medicare plan, and your out-of-pocket cost depends on which plan you have and which drug you are filling.
The key step is checking whether your specific Medicare plan has contracted with your local Walgreens before you fill a prescription. A pharmacy that accepts Medicare in general may not be in-network for your particular plan, which can mean you pay full price instead of your plan's negotiated rate.
Key Takeaways
- Walgreens is in-network for most Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, but you must verify your specific plan covers your local store.
- You can check whether your Walgreens is in-network by calling your plan's customer service number or using the plan's online pharmacy finder tool.
- If your Walgreens is out-of-network, you will pay the full retail price unless you transfer your prescription to an in-network pharmacy.
- Your Medicare plan determines your copay or coinsurance amount at Walgreens, not Walgreens itself.
- Walgreens also accepts Original Medicare (Part A and B) for items like blood pressure monitors and glucose meters, though these are not filled as prescriptions.
How to verify your Walgreens is in-network for your plan
The fastest way is to call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare card. Have your plan name and your local Walgreens store number ready. The representative can tell you in minutes whether that specific location is in-network and what your copay will be for a particular drug.
Most Medicare plans also have a pharmacy finder tool on their website. You enter your zip code or store address, and the tool shows which pharmacies near you are in-network. This works for both Part D standalone plans and Medicare Advantage plans with pharmacy coverage.
If you are already at Walgreens with a prescription, the pharmacist can also check your coverage by scanning your Medicare card. They will tell you whether the plan covers the drug and what you owe.
What happens if your Walgreens is out-of-network
If your plan does not contract with your local Walgreens, you have two options. You can pay the full retail price at that Walgreens location, or you can transfer your prescription to a pharmacy that is in-network for your plan. Most people choose to transfer because the in-network price is usually much lower.
Some Medicare plans cover out-of-network pharmacies at a higher cost-sharing rate than in-network ones, but this is less common. Check your plan documents or call customer service to find out whether your plan offers any out-of-network coverage.
If you use an out-of-network pharmacy, the cost does not count toward your plan's deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, which means you lose that financial protection.
Medicare Part D coverage at Walgreens
Part D is the prescription drug coverage piece of Medicare. It is sold as a standalone plan if you have Original Medicare, or it is bundled into most Medicare Advantage plans. Walgreens is in-network for the vast majority of Part D plans, though the specific drugs covered and your copay amounts vary by plan.
When you fill a prescription at Walgreens, your Part D plan pays its share and you pay your copay or coinsurance. The amount you pay depends on which tier the drug is on — generic drugs usually have the lowest copay, brand-name drugs a higher one, and specialty drugs the highest. Walgreens does not set these amounts; your plan does.
If a drug is not covered by your plan, Walgreens can tell you that before you pay. You can then ask your doctor whether a covered alternative exists, or you can pay out-of-pocket for the uncovered drug.
Medicare Advantage pharmacy networks at Walgreens
Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage and contract with Walgreens as an in-network pharmacy. However, some regional or limited-service plans may not. You must check your plan's pharmacy network to be sure.
Medicare Advantage plans often have different copay structures than Part D plans. Some use copays (a flat dollar amount per prescription), others use coinsurance (a percentage of the drug cost), and some use a combination. Your plan documents or customer service line will tell you which applies to you.
If you switch Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment, your new plan's pharmacy network may be different. Always check whether your preferred pharmacy is in-network under your new plan before the coverage starts.
Using Walgreens for Medicare-covered medical supplies
Walgreens also sells items like blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and test strips that Medicare Part B covers. These are not filled as prescriptions but are purchased as durable medical equipment or supplies. Your Part B coverage applies if the item is medically necessary and your doctor has ordered it.
You will need a prescription from your doctor and may need to show your Medicare card. Walgreens will bill Medicare directly for covered items, and you pay your Part B coinsurance (usually 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your deductible).
What to bring when you fill a prescription at Walgreens
Bring your Medicare card and a valid photo ID. If you are filling a prescription for the first time at that Walgreens location, the pharmacist may ask for your date of birth and address to set up your profile.
If you are transferring a prescription from another pharmacy, Walgreens can request it directly from the previous pharmacy — you do not need to pick up a paper copy. This usually takes a few hours.
If your prescription is not yet ready, ask the pharmacist how long it will take. Most prescriptions are filled within 24 hours, though some specialty drugs take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicare card at any Walgreens?
You can use your Medicare card at any Walgreens location, but whether your plan covers the prescription at that location depends on your specific plan's network. Call your plan or use its pharmacy finder to check your local store before you fill a prescription.
What if Walgreens is in-network but my drug is not covered?
If your plan does not cover the drug, Walgreens will tell you before you pay. You can ask your doctor for a covered alternative, request a prior authorization from your plan if your doctor believes the drug is medically necessary, or pay out-of-pocket for the uncovered drug.
Do I pay the same copay at every Walgreens?
Yes, your copay is the same at any in-network Walgreens location. Your Medicare plan sets the copay amount, not the individual store. Out-of-network Walgreens locations may charge you the full retail price instead.
Can I use my Medicare Advantage plan at Walgreens?
Most Medicare Advantage plans include pharmacy coverage and contract with Walgreens, but not all do. Check your plan documents or call customer service to confirm your plan covers prescriptions at Walgreens and what your copay will be.
What if I need a prescription filled while traveling?
Walgreens locations across the country are generally in-network for most Medicare plans, but you should verify before you travel. Call your plan's customer service number or use its pharmacy finder to check pharmacies near your destination.