Both Rite Aid and Kroger Pharmacy offer comprehensive pharmacy services, but Kroger Pharmacy edges out Rite Aid due to its Kroger Rx Savings Club, low-cost generic drug list, and emphasis on customer care. Rite Aid has a more mixed customer service reputation and its online app has received mixed reviews.
| Attribute | Rite Aid | Kroger Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription filling speed | Filling times vary; once aimed for 15 minutes but may not always be the case. Factors like prescription complexity and staffing levels can affect wait times. | Filling times can vary based on medication availability and insurance verification. Kroger uses technology like the Eyecon system to improve filling speed and accuracy. Some customers report long wait times. |
| Prescription cost (with and without insurance) | Prices vary based on insurance, drug type, and location. Generics at major chains like Rite Aid can sometimes be more expensive than at wholesale stores like Costco. Using discount cards can help lower costs. | Kroger accepts most insurance plans and prescription discount cards. They also offer a Kroger Rx Savings Club with discounts on prescriptions. Individual plans start at $36 per year, and family plans (including pets) start at $72 per year. Kroger often has a low-cost $4 generic drug list. RxSaver and SingleCare offer discount cards and coupons for Kroger Pharmacy that may beat insurance co-pay prices. |
| Availability of generic medications | Rite Aid maintains a sufficient supply of generic medications. Generic drugs are regulated by the FDA and must meet the same standards as brand-name drugs. | Kroger provides access to affordable generic medications. They also have a $4 generic drug list. |
| Insurance acceptance | Rite Aid accepts most major insurance plans, including Tricare, Elixir Insurance, Express Scripts, Caremark, OptumRx, Medimpact, Cigna, Humana, Medicaid, and Medicare Parts B and D. Confirm specific plan coverage with the insurance company or local Rite Aid pharmacy. | Kroger Pharmacy generally accepts most insurance plans. Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans are accepted. It is best to contact your provider or local pharmacy to confirm coverage. |
| Pharmacist availability for consultations | Pharmacists are available for consultations during the week by phone (1-800-RITEAID) for Rite Aid Rewards members. | Kroger pharmacists can provide personalized care, fill prescriptions, administer vaccines, and conduct health screenings. Kroger Specialty Pharmacy has a clinical team available 24/7 to answer questions. |
| Vaccination services offered (flu, COVID-19, etc.) | Rite Aid offers a wide range of vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Pharmacists are trained to administer vaccines to customers ages three and older. | Kroger offers various vaccines, including flu, COVID-19, shingles, Tdap, and others. Walk-ins are often welcome. |
| Over-the-counter medication selection | Rite Aid provides a wide selection of over-the-counter medications. | Kroger provides a wide selection of over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers, allergy and sinus medications, cold and flu remedies, and more. |
| Convenience of location and hours | Rite Aid has many locations with convenient hours, including evenings and weekends. Use the store locator on their website or app to find the nearest location and check hours. | Kroger has many pharmacy locations within its supermarkets. Many pharmacies are open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. |
| Drive-thru pharmacy service | Many Rite Aid locations offer drive-thru service for convenient prescription pick-up. | Many Kroger Pharmacy locations offer drive-thru service. |
| Online prescription refills and management | Rite Aid offers online and mobile app services for prescription management, with features like refills, reminders, and history. The app has received mixed reviews regarding ease of use and functionality. | Kroger allows online prescription refills and prescription management through "My Prescriptions" account. You can pay for prescriptions online. |
| Customer service quality | Customer service experiences vary, with some customers reporting negative experiences and others praising individual staff members. | Kroger prides itself on providing quality pharmacy services and customer care. |
| Presence of loyalty programs and discounts | Rite Aid Rewards allows you to earn points on purchases and prescriptions, which can be redeemed for BonusCash. Rite Aid Rewards 65+ offers additional benefits for seniors. | Kroger Plus program provides access to exclusive weekly deals, digital coupons, and fuel points for every dollar spent on pharmacy and grocery items. Kroger also offers the Kroger Rx Savings Club. |