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Pharmacies: Costco Pharmacy vs. Capsule Pharmacy

Quick Verdict

Costco Pharmacy is a good option for those looking for potentially lower prices and a wide variety of vaccines, while Capsule Pharmacy is better for those who value convenience and same-day delivery.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeCostco PharmacyCapsule Pharmacy
Prescription CostOften offers low prices, ranked as second cheapest in a Consumer Reports study, Costco Member Prescription Program offers discounts (2%-40%), RxSaver coupons can be used, may offer lower prices than insurance copays.Capsule is free to use, and you only pay your insurance co-pay. They accept major insurance plans. Capsule lets you know the cost of your prescription before delivery.
Insurance AcceptanceGenerally accepts most major insurance plans (commercial, Medicare Part D, state plans), accepted plans vary by location, verification with local pharmacy or insurance provider is recommended.Capsule accepts all commercial insurance plans, Managed Medicaid, and Medicare Part D. They also accept most major insurance plans. Tricare is not accepted.
Prescription Delivery OptionsMail order delivery available, same-day delivery via Instacart in some locations, standard shipping is free (6-14 days), expedited shipping available at extra cost.Capsule provides free, same-day prescription delivery. You can schedule your delivery, and Capsule will coordinate with your old pharmacy or doctor to get your prescriptions. Delivery is available in several cities across the US.
Wait Times for PrescriptionsNot availableIn New York City, you can select a delivery window approximately 60 minutes in advance. In other areas, you may need to select a delivery window around 3 hours in advance.
Availability of VaccinationsOffers flu, COVID-19, shingles, hepatitis A & B, Tdap, pneumonia and RSV vaccines, age restrictions may apply and vary by state.Capsule offers vaccinations every weekday. They offer COVID-19, flu, and travel vaccinations.
Online Prescription ManagementOnline services include prescription refills, new prescription orders, and prescription transfers, account management online, Costco Pharmacy app allows refills by scanning and setting up reminders.Capsule allows you to manage all your medications from your phone. They coordinate refills with your doctor and co-pays with your insurance company.
Customer Service QualityCustomer service experiences vary; some customers report negative experiences, others report good experiences with helpful staff.You can chat or text with expert pharmacists. Capsule also coordinates refills with your doctor and texts you when it's time for refills.
Specialty Medication AvailabilityCostco Specialty Pharmacy provides customized services for specialty medications, works with doctor and insurance.Contact Capsule Pharmacy to learn more about specialty vaccine availability.
Generic Drug OptionsOffers a variety of generic drug options, savings of up to 80% possible.Information on generic drug options is not available in the search results.
Convenience of LocationPharmacies are located within Costco warehouses, membership not required to use the pharmacy.Capsule delivers your prescriptions, removing the need to visit a physical location.
Availability of Over-the-Counter MedicationsOffers over-the-counter drugs.Information on over-the-counter medications is not available in the search results.
Prescription Transfer ProcessPrescriptions can be transferred online, by phone, or in person, Home Delivery pharmacy only transfers from other Costco pharmacies.Any doctor can send a prescription to Capsule. Capsule coordinates with your old pharmacy or doctor to get your prescriptions. To transfer existing prescriptions, you can call or head to their website, and Capsule will handle the transfer.

Overall Comparison

Costco: Generic drug savings up to 80%, standard shipping 6-14 days; Capsule: Free same-day delivery, delivery window 60 minutes in NYC, 3 hours in other areas.

Pros and Cons

Costco Pharmacy

Pros:
  • Often cheaper than other pharmacies, particularly for generic medications
  • Generally accepts most major insurance plans
  • Mail order delivery available
  • Same-day delivery available in some areas via Instacart
  • Offers a variety of vaccines
  • Online system allows for refills, tracking, and reminders
  • Offers a wide variety of generic drugs
  • Pharmacies are located inside Costco warehouses
  • Membership not required to use the pharmacy
  • Prescriptions can be transferred online, by phone, or in person
Cons:
  • Delivery times can vary; standard shipping takes 6-14 days
  • Customer service experiences vary
  • Accepted insurance plans vary by location
  • Age restrictions may apply for vaccinations and vary by state

Capsule Pharmacy

Pros:
  • Free same-day prescription delivery
  • Accepts major insurance plans
  • Online prescription management
  • Expert pharmacists available for chat or text
  • Coordinates refills with doctor and insurance
  • Convenient prescription transfer process
Cons:
  • Tricare is not accepted
  • Information on generic drug options is not available
  • Information on over-the-counter medications is not available

User Experiences and Feedback