What if you could get three months of your medication for the same price as one month? That’s not a trick-it’s a real way millions of people are cutting their prescription costs without changing their meds. If you take medicine every day for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, or other long-term conditions, a 90-day fill could save you hundreds a year. And it’s easier to get than you think.
Why 90-Day Fills Save You Money
Most insurance plans charge the same copay whether you pick up 30 days or 90 days of medication. That means if your copay is $4.90 for a 30-day supply, you pay the same $4.90 for 90 days. Instead of paying $14.70 every month, you pay $4.90 every three months. That’s $39.20 saved per medication, every year. It’s not just about the copay. Some plans even lower the rate for 90-day supplies. And if you use mail-order pharmacies, you often avoid retail markups entirely. One report from UnitedHealth Group in 2025 found that 90-day fills through home delivery already save consumers and employers about $600 million a year. If more people used them, that number could hit $23 billion over ten years. Beyond the cash savings, you’ll make fewer trips to the pharmacy-about eight fewer visits a year. That saves time, gas, and stress. People who stick with their meds longer also have fewer hospital visits and better health outcomes. It’s a win for your wallet and your body.Who Can Get a 90-Day Prescription
Not every drug qualifies. To get a 90-day fill, your medication must be for a chronic condition. That includes things like:- High blood pressure (lisinopril, amlodipine)
- Diabetes (metformin, insulin)
- High cholesterol (atorvastatin, simvastatin)
- Thyroid medication (levothyroxine)
- Antidepressants (sertraline, fluoxetine)
How to Get a 90-Day Fill: Two Simple Ways
There are two main ways to get your meds for 90 days: through your local pharmacy or by mail. Option 1: Ask Your Retail Pharmacy Walk into CVS, Walgreens, or your local pharmacy and say: “Can I get a 90-day supply of my medication?” They’ll check your insurance and refill history. If you’re eligible, they’ll fill it on the spot. Many pharmacies now offer this as a standard option-even if your script says “30 days.” You don’t need a new prescription if you have refills left. Option 2: Use Mail-Order Pharmacy Mail-order services like CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, or HPSM’s Postal Prescription Services (PPSRX) specialize in 90-day fills. You sign up online or by phone, and they ship your meds directly to your door-often for free. These services usually only handle maintenance meds, so you’ll still go to the store for antibiotics or pain relievers. Mail-order often gives the lowest prices. GoodRx says it’s common to pay less through mail-order than even a retail 90-day fill. Plus, you get automatic refills and reminders. No more running out mid-month.
What to Say to Your Doctor
Your doctor has to write the prescription. If they’re not familiar with 90-day fills, they might say, “I only write 30-day scripts.” That’s outdated. Most doctors now support 90-day fills because they improve adherence. Here’s what to say: “I’m taking this medication every day and want to save money and time. Can you write this for a 90-day supply? My insurance covers it.” If they hesitate, mention that studies show people who get 90-day fills stick with their meds better. That means fewer complications and fewer doctor visits for you-and less paperwork for them.Watch Out for These Pitfalls
It’s not always smooth sailing. Here’s what can go wrong-and how to fix it. Pitfall 1: Your plan doesn’t cover 90-day fills for this drug. Some plans limit 90-day fills to certain drugs or require prior authorization. Always check with your insurer first. Call the number on your card and ask: “Does my plan allow 90-day fills for [medication name]?” Pitfall 2: Your pharmacy says no. Some retail pharmacists aren’t trained on 90-day fills or worry about losing dispensing fees. If they say no, ask to speak to the manager. Or just go to another pharmacy. CVS and Walgreens have clear policies on this. Pitfall 3: You run out before your next refill. Mail-order can take 5-7 days to arrive. Don’t wait until you’re out. Set a reminder to order your refill 10-14 days before you run out. Most mail-order services let you schedule automatic refills.
Real Savings: A Quick Example
Let’s say you take metformin for diabetes. Your copay is $5 for a 30-day supply. - 30-day fills: $5 x 12 = $60 per year - 90-day fills: $5 x 4 = $20 per year You save $40 a year-just by switching. Do that for three medications, and you’re saving $120 a year. That’s a free weekend getaway. Or a new pair of shoes. Or extra groceries. And if you switch to mail-order? You might pay $3 per 90-day supply. That’s $12 a year. $48 saved per medication. Multiply that by your meds, and you’re talking real money.What’s Changing in 2026
More insurers are pushing 90-day fills. Medicare Part D plans now make them the default for maintenance meds. Medicaid programs are following. Even commercial insurers like UnitedHealth are investing in mail-order infrastructure to make it easier. Retail pharmacies are adapting too. You can now get 90-day fills at the same counter where you pick up cold medicine. No need to switch services unless you want the lowest price. The trend is clear: 90-day fills are becoming standard. The only question is whether you’re using them.Next Steps: Your Action Plan
Here’s what to do this week:- Look at your medicine cabinet. Which drugs do you take every day?
- Check your insurance plan’s formulary online or call them. Ask: “Do you cover 90-day fills for [medication]?”
- Call your doctor’s office. Ask if they can write a 90-day prescription for each eligible med.
- Choose your delivery method: retail pharmacy for convenience, or mail-order for savings.
- Set a reminder to reorder 10 days before you run out.
Can I get a 90-day fill for any medication?
No. Only maintenance medications for chronic conditions qualify-like blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, or antidepressants. Antibiotics, painkillers, or short-term meds don’t count. You also need to have taken the drug before without issues.
Do I need a new prescription for a 90-day supply?
Not always. If your current prescription has refills left, your pharmacy can often fill it as a 90-day supply without a new script. But if your doctor wrote it for 30 days with no refills, you’ll need to ask them for a new prescription specifying 90 days.
Is mail-order safer than picking up at the pharmacy?
Yes. Mail-order pharmacies are licensed, regulated, and often use the same suppliers as retail pharmacies. They’re required to follow strict safety standards. Many people prefer mail-order because they get sealed, tamper-proof packaging and can track their shipment. Plus, you avoid the risk of forgetting to refill.
Can I switch between retail and mail-order?
Yes. You can get your 90-day supply from a retail pharmacy one time and mail-order the next. Just make sure your insurance covers both. Some plans give better pricing for mail-order, so it’s smart to compare prices using tools like GoodRx before choosing.
What if my pharmacy refuses to fill a 90-day prescription?
Ask to speak to the manager. If they still say no, go to another pharmacy-CVS and Walgreens are trained to handle 90-day fills. You can also switch to mail-order. Your insurance plan usually has a list of approved mail-order pharmacies you can use.
Will my insurance cover 90-day fills if I’m on Medicare?
Yes. Most Medicare Part D plans now encourage or require 90-day fills for maintenance medications. Some even offer lower copays for mail-order. Check your plan’s formulary or call Member Services to confirm.
How much can I really save?
It depends on your meds and copay. For example, if your copay is $5 for a 30-day supply, switching to 90-day fills saves you $40 per medication per year. If you take three medications, that’s $120 saved. With mail-order, savings can be even higher-some people pay as little as $3 per 90-day supply.
