Both Costco Pharmacy and Amazon Pharmacy offer convenient options for prescription fulfillment. Amazon Pharmacy stands out with its faster delivery options and 24/7 pharmacist access, while Costco Pharmacy provides competitive pricing through its CMPP program and in-person pharmacist consultations. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences regarding delivery speed, cost savings programs, and access to pharmacist consultations.
| Attribute | Costco Pharmacy | Amazon Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Cost | Competitive prescription prices; Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP) offers discounts (2%-40% or more); compare prices at Costco.com/cmpp. | Allows you to check pricing and request prescription transfers. Calculates savings and shows options with or without insurance, including Prime member discounts. RxPass offers eligible generic medications for a flat monthly fee of $5 for Prime members. |
| Insurance Acceptance | Accepts most insurance plans; CMPP cannot be combined with insurance. | Accepts most insurance plans. You can check your insurance price on the medication page. Automatically calculates your copay when you have a prescription on file. |
| Delivery Speed | Mail Delivery: Processing 1-4 days, delivery 6-14 days; expedited shipping available; medications arrive within 3-5 days after shipping. Instacart: Check eligibility via mobile app or web pharmacy. Standard USPS Delivery: 6-14 days with free shipping. | Prime members get free 2-day delivery. Others get free 4-5 day delivery or can upgrade to 2-day delivery for $5.99. Same-day delivery is available in select cities. Amazon is expanding same-day delivery to more cities and using technology like AI and drones to reduce delivery times. |
| Medication Availability | Generally good stock, including some medications other pharmacies may not have; some prescriptions may not be eligible for delivery (short-term or controlled substances). | Carries a wide range of medications for common conditions. However, some medications like medical devices, Schedule II drugs, suspensions, and certain specialty medications may not be available. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Can reach a human on the phone; mail order pharmacy customer service at 1-800-607-6861. | Offers 24/7 access to licensed pharmacists. Customer Care is available during specific hours. |
| Ease of Prescription Transfer | Easily transfer prescriptions from outside pharmacies via mobile app or website; provide medication name, pharmacy phone number, pharmacy name, and your information. Home Delivery pharmacy only transfers prescriptions from other Costco pharmacies. | You can transfer prescriptions by asking your prescriber to send them directly to Amazon Pharmacy or by requesting Amazon Pharmacy to contact your prescriber. You will need to provide the medication name and current pharmacy. |
| Refill Management Options | Online (Costco website), Mobile App (refill from prescription list or by typing in prescription number), Phone (automated refill line at 1-800-607-6861), Mail (complete and return refill order form). | Manages refills, and you can turn on automatic refills for eligible prescriptions. You can also order refills online through your account. |
| Automatic Refills | Offers auto-refill program; set up via Refill Prescription or Prescription Status page; email 72 hours before refill is processed, confirmation required; not available for controlled substances and non-maintenance medications. | Automatic refills are available for eligible prescriptions. |
| Specialty Medication Services | Customized pharmacy services for specialty drugs; patient-specific dosing and clinical management; convenient, discreet, and free next-day or second-day delivery. | Some specialty medications are available through Amazon Pharmacy. For others, you may need to use Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. |
| Pharmacist Consultation Availability | Pharmacists available for private consultations to answer health questions; consultation rooms being built in new and existing pharmacies. | Pharmacists are available 24/7 by phone or chat to answer medication questions. Amazon is also piloting a program to provide pharmacy consultation services to One Medical providers. |
| Mobile App Features | Refill prescriptions, manage family accounts, transfer prescriptions, check prescription status, find a pharmacy, view Rx history. | You can access Amazon Pharmacy through the Amazon app to search for medications, create a profile, and transfer prescriptions. |
| Return Policy for Medications | Cannot accept medication returns unless authorized by a licensed pharmacist or if there is a recall; contact 1-800-607-6861 to speak with a pharmacist. | Amazon Pharmacy does not accept returns of medications. However, if there are issues like tampering, contact Amazon Pharmacy Customer Care. |