"Can I use any pharmacy I want?" — Medicare Part D Plans & Pharmacies

When you have a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you can use any pharmacy you'd like to get your medications. You do not need to inform the insurance company about which pharmacy you plan to use or get their permission to change pharmacies.

HOWEVER, you will pay different prices depending on which pharmacy you choose.

Each Part D plan negotiates pricing with each pharmacy.  You can save money - sometimes a lot of money - simply by changing pharmacies.

• Retail pharmacies: 
  These are the local pharmacies (the kind you can drive to).  These can include national chains (like Walgreens and CVS), grocery store pharmacies and independent pharmacies. Some retail pharmacies will be designated as "preferred," meaning you may be able to get a lower cost for your prescriptions. A pharmacy may be designated as an "in-network" pharmacies which are included in the plan's network of pharmacies but does not feature the lowest costs. Pharmacies may not be in network at all. You will pay the full retail price of the medication when going to these "out-of-network" pharmacies.
   
• Mail order pharmacies: These pharmacies, often linked to a specific Part D plan provider, allow you to receive medications in the mail, typically in larger quantities for a 90-day supply. To use a mail order pharmacy, contact your Part D plan to set up your prescriptions.
  
  
• Specialty pharmacies: 
  These are designed for high-cost or complex medications that may require special handling, storage, or patient education. Your Part D plan will connect you with their preferred specialty pharmacy.