In this age of higher-priced drugs and complex health care systems, a trip to the pharmacy can spark worry. How much will it cost? How much will insurance cover? What if I don’t have insurance?
Just as some home improvement stores offer free services, some pharmacies offer freebies as incentives to develop loyal shoppers in a competitive industry.
Following are some things you can find for no cost at certain pharmacies.
1. Medications and supplements
We detail four pharmacies offering certain medicines or vitamins for free in “3 Pharmacy Chains That Offer Free Medications.”
We also note that Sam’s Club’s Plus members and Kroger Rx Savings Club members can receive certain prescriptions for free.
2. Prescription delivery
No need to stand in line for your medications or even use the drive-thru. If you can wait a few days, pharmacies ranging from Walmart to HealthWarehouse offer a free delivery option for prescriptions ordered online.
3. Senior discounts
You can get 20% off certain purchases if you’re 55 or older at Walgreens and 65 and up at Rite Aid.
To take advantage of these offers, sign up for Walgreens’ Balance Rewards program or Rite Aid’s wellness65+ program.
4. Vaccinations and immunizations
CVS and Walgreens are among the pharmacies that offer certain vaccinations for free to eligible customers, such as flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
5. Flavoring for liquid medicines
If you or your kids can’t stand the taste of certain liquid medicines, Rite Aid will make them more palatable for free if you are a Rite Aid Rewards member.
6. Rewards
These rewards point programs are free to join and can pay off with free services, discounts and in-store credit. Pharmacies that offer them include:
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Rite Aid (wellness+ and wellness65+)
- Meijer
7. Personalized pill packaging
Multidose packs like those offered by CVS are a great way of keeping track of when and how much of your prescription medicines you’re taking.
8. Health screenings
With its Project Health, CVS offers free biometric screenings to help spot chronic conditions. Check out the next and nearest one on their schedule.
Also, Texas-based H-E-B stores will check your blood pressure and blood glucose for free.