What to Do if Your Local Pharmacy Is Closing
Many local pharmacies in the United States are closing, leaving their shoppers without easy access to medications, healthcare services, products, and expertise from their local pharmacists. These closures can be due to rising costs, competition, and changes to prescription reimbursement rates.
If your community pharmacy is closing, you may be experiencing stress and confusion about what steps to take. Below are some tips for questions to ask your current or future pharmacy about the transition to help you maintain your current prescriptions and access to care.
Questions to ask your current pharmacy:
Will another pharmacy be purchasing my current prescriptions? In a transition period, there’s a chance that a new pharmacy will be purchasing your current pharmacy’s prescriptions. Learning if they will be automatically transferred to a new pharmacy can be helpful to know.
Can you pull a complete list of my medications and will the new pharmacy carry all medications? Having all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy can be key to taking your medications safely. Your pharmacist can perform a safety check with your complete medication list to check for any negative drug interactions.
Can you provide me with a supply of my current medications before the location closes so I do not run out? Losing access to crucial medications even for a short period can be dangerous.
Questions to ask your new pharmacy:
Do you accept my insurance? Contacting your insurance provider can help you understand where your prescriptions are covered at the lowest cost. Your new pharmacist can also verify your insurance coverage. If your insurance is not taken or a medication is not covered, the pharmacy may offer member pricing or coupons and discounts.
What immunizations are available, and will you have a record of my vaccination history? It's important to stay up-to-date with your vaccinations. Make sure your new pharmacy offers common vaccines such as Influenza (flu), Shingles, COVID-19, RSV, Pneumococcal, HPV, Hepatitis, and Tdap.
Do you have a relationship with my primary care physician (or other prescribers)? Making sure your doctors are connected to your new pharmacy and stay informed during the transition can help avoid any delays or issues.
What healthcare services do you offer? Some pharmacies offer services like urgent or primary care, point of care diagnostic testing and labs, diabetes or nutritional counseling, specialty medications, durable medical equipment, hearing aids, home testing kits and more!
What accessibility options are available? Some pharmacies offer services to make your care more accessible and convenient, including drive-thru windows, home delivery, or different packaging options.
Do you have a loyalty rewards program? Some pharmacies offer rewards for prescription refills, immunizations, and grocery shopping.
Do you have a mobile app to manage my prescription refills and reminders? A mobile app can be a helpful resource to managing your prescriptions on the go.
The transition can be challenging, but taking the time to research your options and connect with your pharmacists for more information can help you along the way!