Both Walmart Pharmacy and CVS Pharmacy offer convenient and comprehensive services, including online refills, mobile app management, and vaccinations. Walmart Pharmacy stands out for its affordable generic drug prices, while CVS Pharmacy boasts a larger number of locations and greater geographic coverage. The best choice depends on individual priorities, such as price sensitivity or proximity to a pharmacy location.
| Attribute | Walmart Pharmacy | CVS Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Price | Affordable, especially for generics. $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply of select generic drugs. Prices may vary by state. Discounts available through RxSaver. | Prices can be higher compared to Costco; CostVantage program aims to align pharmacy reimbursement with quality services. |
| Insurance Acceptance | Accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and various private health insurance plans. Accepts essential countrywide insurance plans. Verify specific plan with local pharmacy. | Generally accepts most prescription insurance plans, including Fee for Service Medicaid in all retail locations; verify coverage with your insurance provider. |
| Wait Times for Prescriptions | Varies from 15 minutes to 48 hours, depending on factors like pharmacy workload, staffing, and prescription complexity. | Vary; can take 1-2 hours, or as little as 10-30 minutes depending on pharmacy workload. |
| Availability of Generic Drugs | Wide array of generic medications available, some starting as low as $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply. | Provides information about generic drugs and allows lower-cost generic medications. |
| Pharmacist Availability for Consultation | Pharmacists are available to answer questions and provide medication counseling. | Pharmacists offer advice on prescriptions, non-prescription drugs, and supplements; CVS Specialty CareTeam available for personalized support. |
| Drive-Thru Pharmacy Service | Many locations offer drive-thru pharmacy service for convenient prescription pick-ups. | Many locations offer drive-thru service for convenient prescription pick-up and drop-off. |
| 24-Hour Pharmacy Availability | Availability may vary by location. | Some locations offer 24-hour pharmacy service. |
| Vaccination Services Offered | Offers various vaccinations, including COVID-19, flu shots, shingles, HPV, meningitis, and more. Children 3 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at participating pharmacies. | Offers various vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, shingles, hepatitis A and B, MMR, pneumonia, and meningitis via CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic. |
| Over-the-Counter Medication Selection | Provides a wide selection of over-the-counter medications and health supplies. | Offers a full range of over-the-counter essentials. |
| Online Prescription Refills | Offers online prescription refills through their website and mobile app. Refill by scanning a QR code, entering the prescription number, or selecting from a prescription list. | Makes prescription refills easy through online accounts and the mobile app. |
| Mobile App Features | App allows you to manage prescriptions, request refills, view prescription history, and transfer prescriptions. Some locations offer prescription delivery via the app. Provides notifications, online payment options, and the ability to manage family members' medications. | Mobile app allows users to manage prescriptions, refill via barcode scan, track orders, set reminders, and locate MinuteClinics. |
| Convenience of Location | Approximately 4,711 pharmacies across the United States, strategically located for convenient access. | Around 85% of Americans live within five miles of a CVS Pharmacy; has more than 9,000 locations, including those inside Target and Schnucks grocery stores. |
| Number of Locations | 4,711 | 9,000+ |