Both Rite Aid and Walmart Pharmacy offer convenient prescription services with online refills and mobile apps. Walmart Pharmacy stands out for its low-cost generic medications and efficient customer service. Rite Aid offers pharmacist consultations and a wider range of vaccinations. The best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, such as cost, consultation availability, and customer service expectations.
| Attribute | Rite Aid | Walmart Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Filling Speed | Filling times can vary, potentially around 15 minutes for standard prescriptions. Factors like special handling or calls to the prescriber can extend the filling time. | Not available |
| Prescription Cost (including discounts/insurance) | Accepts most major insurance plans, including Tricare, Elixir Insurance, Express Scripts, Caremark, OptumRx, Medimpact, Cigna, Humana, Medicaid, and Medicare Parts B and D. Offers the Rite Aid Rx Savings Program. Discount cards like ScriptSave WellRx and SingleCare can offer savings, but cannot be combined with insurance. Costs vary based on location, insurance, and other factors. | Low-cost generic medications, with some starting at $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply. Prices and availability may vary by location. A prescription program includes up to a 30-day supply for $4 and a 90-day supply for $10 of some covered generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. |
| Availability of Generic Drugs | Offers generic drugs. Most states require generic substitution unless specified otherwise by the patient or physician. | Robust generic medication program. They offer a 30-day supply of generic prescriptions starting at $4. |
| Pharmacist Availability for Consultations | Pharmacists are certified to provide immunizations and offer guidance on medications and over-the-counter products. Rite Aid Rewards members can contact healthcare professionals online or by phone during the week. | Not available |
| Vaccination Services Offered | Offers various vaccinations, including flu, RSV, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, and more. Pharmacists can administer these immunizations; appointments can be scheduled online or walk-in. | Various vaccinations, including flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, shingles, HPV, meningitis, pneumonia, Tdap, chickenpox, and hepatitis A and B. Most vaccines are available without an appointment. |
| Over-the-Counter Medication Selection | Provides a wide selection of over-the-counter medications and health products. | Wide selection of over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers, cold and allergy medications, and wound care solutions. |
| Convenience of Location and Hours | Many locations with varying hours, including some with 24-hour service. | Vast network of pharmacies across the USA. Pharmacy hours vary by location. Most open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and close between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. |
| Drive-Through Pharmacy Option | Many locations offer drive-through pharmacy services for prescription pick-up and essential items. | Some Walmart pharmacies offer a drive-up window. |
| Online Prescription Refills | Easy online refills using a current prescription bottle. | Online prescription refills through their website and mobile app. You can refill prescriptions by scanning a QR code, entering the prescription number, or choosing from a prescription list. |
| Mobile App Features | Mobile app allows users to refill or transfer prescriptions, find the closest store, manage their Rite Aid rewards account, and receive medication reminders. | Manage prescriptions, request refills, transfer prescriptions, and check order status. It also provides notifications for refills and pickup. |
| Customer Service Quality | Customer service quality can vary. | Efficient and friendly service. |
| Insurance Acceptance | Accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. It's best to check with your specific plan. | Accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. They also accept various private health insurance plans like Aetna, Humana, Express Scripts, and OptumRx. |
| Prescription Transfer | Not available | You can transfer prescriptions to Walmart Pharmacy by visiting their website, using their app, or speaking with a pharmacist in-store or over the phone. |