The Costco pharmacy can be a great option when shopping for prescription medications. Conveniently, you can pick up your medications while doing your regular shopping. Plus, Costco pharmacies often have very low prices on medications not covered by insurance. But you may be wondering, is your insurance accepted at Costco pharmacy? We’ll investigate which insurance Costco pharmacy accepts to help you decide if it’s the right place to fill your prescriptions.
Which Insurance Does Costco Pharmacy Accept?
Which insurance is accepted at Costco pharmacies? Generally, Costco pharmacies accept most major insurance plans, including commercial, Medicare Part D, and state plans. However, accepted plans vary by location, so we recommend asking your local Costco pharmacy if they accept your insurance. You can also call your insurance provider directly to find out if Costco is in-network.
To help customers find a place to fill prescriptions, many insurance providers have a directory of in-network pharmacies listed on their website. You can often filter this directory by medication and location, enabling you to find nearby pharmacies that cover your prescriptions. You can also search for a specific pharmacy like Costco by name to quickly determine whether or not it’s in-network.
CMPP: Costco’s Own Prescription Program
What if you don’t have health insurance? Consider joining the Costco Membership Prescription Program, or CMPP for short.
CMPP primarily helps customers who don’t have insurance afford their prescription medication. However, insured customers can still use the program to save money on prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance.
Unfortunately, you can’t join CMPP if you’re enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare. But you may be able to use other prescription discount cards that Costco accepts, such as SingleCare.
If you’re eligible for CMPP, you and your dependents can enroll for free. The discount plan works at both Costco and other participating pharmacies, such as Albertsons, Safeway, Walgreens, and more.
Costco says that CMPP members can save up to 80% on generic and name-brand prescription medications for themselves and their pets. The program also applies to certain medical supplies, vaccines, and booster shots.
Not a Costco Member? The Costco Pharmacy Is Still an Option.
While Costco likes to pretend non-members aren’t allowed through the front door, in certain situations, non-members can still make purchases. Alcohol and prescription drugs are both federally regulated, so Costco can’t bar shoppers from accessing these items.
Even if you’re a non-member, Costco is legally required to allow you into the store to purchase these products. Although non-members can’t sign up for Costco’s CMPP program, the pharmacy still offers better prices on certain medications even without the discount.
When you’re stopped at the front door, tell the employee you’re picking up a prescription and they’ll let you right in. Just remember that you aren’t allowed to buy anything other than alcohol and medication, no matter how tempting the other merchandise is!
Are You A Small Business Owner?
If you’re a small business owner and a Costco member, it’s worth looking into Costco’s CBC Health Insurance Marketplace. It allows small businesses that provide health insurance to employees to secure “big business” discounts and save money. Consider enrolling to get great plans for your employees at a fair cost.
Other Healthcare Services at Costco
In addition to the CMPP, Costco offers many other healthcare-related discounts and services. For example, you can take advantage of the convenient mail-order prescription program to get medications delivered to your door at affordable prices. Costco’s pharmacy is also a great place to get immunizations like your seasonal flu shot. If you’re traveling out of the country, the warehouse chain even has a low-cost travel medicine consultation available. Up to 70% of people report medical problems during or after their trip, so this is a great way to safeguard your health before your trip.
If you wear glasses, be sure to check out Costco’s optical center. Both members and non-members can take advantage of their competitively priced eye exams. However, only members can purchase and save on glasses, contact lenses, and other vision-related products.
Most major vision insurance plans are accepted at the optical center, including but not limited to United Healthcare, Davis Vision, Superior Vision, and UHA Health Insurance. However, it’s important to note that not all vision plans are accepted at all warehouses. Plus, the optometrist at your local Costco may not accept the same insurance as the optical department itself. So it’s a good idea to contact your local warehouse for specific, up-to-date information regarding insurance coverage.
Do you use Costco’s pharmacy or optical center? What has your experience been like? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Read More:
- Is a Costco Executive Membership Worth the Price?
- Can I Use the Costco Pharmacy Without a Membership?
- How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs
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