Pharmacies: Rite Aid vs. Costco Pharmacy
Quick Verdict
Both Rite Aid and Costco Pharmacy offer similar services such as prescription refills, vaccinations, and pharmacist consultations. Rite Aid provides a drive-thru option and medication flavoring for children. Costco Pharmacy provides $0 copay for generic medications for WGAT health plan members. Customer service experiences vary for both.
- Both Rite Aid and Costco Pharmacy accept most major insurance plans, but prescription costs can vary.
- Rite Aid offers a wider selection of over-the-counter medications, while Costco Pharmacy provides wellness remedies and durable medical equipment.
- Customer service quality varies at both pharmacies, with mixed experiences reported.
- Rite Aid has a drive-thru option at many locations, which Costco Pharmacy does not offer.
- Both offer online prescription refills and pharmacist consultations.
- Costco Pharmacy offers $0 copay for generic medications for WGAT health plan members.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Rite Aid | Costco Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Filling Speed | Some customers report long wait times. | Varies, 20 minutes to an hour depending on how busy they are. Request refills at least 48 hours in advance. |
| Prescription Cost with Insurance | Accepts most major insurance plans. The cost of prescriptions can vary. Check with your insurance company or local Rite Aid pharmacy to determine your specific costs. | Accepts most major insurance plans. CMPP may offer lower prices. |
| Availability of Generic Drugs | Information not available. | Offers a wide range of generic drug options, including $0 copay for WGAT health plan members. |
| Vaccination Services Offered | Offers various vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, HPV, MMR, Pneumococcal, Shingles, Tdap, Chickenpox, and more. Scheduling is available online or via walk-in. | Offers various vaccinations, including seasonal flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, shingles, Tdap, hepatitis A&B, and travel immunizations. Book appointments online. |
| Over-the-Counter Medication Selection | Offers a wide selection of over-the-counter medications and treatments. | Offers a selection of over-the-counter medications, wellness remedies, and durable medical equipment. |
| Customer Service Quality | Customer service experiences vary, with some customers expressing dissatisfaction. | Varies, some customers report positive experiences, others report issues with incompetent staff and poor service. |
| Pharmacist Consultation Availability | Pharmacists are available for consultations. Wellness+ members may have opportunities for free pharmacist consultations. | Pharmacists are available for consultations regarding medications. |
| Drive-Thru Pharmacy Option | Many Rite Aid locations have a drive-thru. | Not available. |
| 24-Hour Pharmacy Availability | Not all Rite Aid locations are open 24 hours. Contact your local pharmacy to confirm their hours. | Not typically open 24 hours. |
| Online Prescription Refills | Offers online prescription refills through its website and mobile app. | Offers online prescription refills through its website, phone, or mail. |
| Medication Flavoring for Children | Yes, Rite Aid offers medication flavoring for children. | Some Costco pharmacies may offer medication flavoring for children. |
| Health and Wellness Products Selection | Offers a range of health and wellness products, including vitamins and supplements. | Provides various health and wellness products, including vitamins and supplements. |
Overall Comparison
Rite Aid: Drive-thru pharmacy available. Costco: $0 copay for generic medications for WGAT health plan members.
Pros and Cons
Rite Aid
Pros:
- Wide selection of over-the-counter medications and health products
- Pharmacist consultations available
- Drive-thru pharmacy option available at many locations
- Online prescription refills available
- Medication flavoring for children available
- Offers a range of health and wellness products
- Various vaccinations available; scheduling online or via walk-in
Cons:
- Some customers report long prescription wait times
- Customer service experiences vary, with some customers expressing dissatisfaction
- Not all locations are open 24 hours
Costco Pharmacy
Pros:
- Accepts most major insurance plans
- Offers a wide range of generic drug options
- Offers various vaccinations, appointments can be booked online
- Online prescription refills available
- Pharmacists are available for consultations
Cons:
- Prescription filling speed can vary, wait times can range from 20 minutes to an hour
- Customer service experiences can vary
- Not typically open 24 hours
- No drive-thru pharmacy option
User Experiences and Feedback
Rite Aid
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- Some customers report long wait times.
- Customer service experiences vary, with some customers expressing dissatisfaction.
Costco Pharmacy
What Users Love
- Friendly and helpful staff (some customers)
- Competitive prescription prices, especially with CMPP
Common Complaints
- Incompetent staff and poor service (some customers)
- Delays in filling prescriptions (some customers)
Value Perception
- WGAT health plan members can enjoy a $0 copay on generic medications
- Costco offers a $0 co-payment for generic medications (excluding some narcotic pain and cough medications)