How to Ask for 90-Day Supplies to Reduce Pharmacy Trips

Going to the pharmacy every month for the same pills? It’s exhausting. You’re not alone. Millions of people on long-term meds for high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol are stuck in the same loop: drive, wait, pick up, repeat. But there’s a simpler way - and it doesn’t require a miracle. You can get a 90-day supply of your maintenance medications in one go. That means three fewer trips a year. Less hassle. Lower costs. And better adherence.

What Is a 90-Day Supply Prescription?

A 90-day supply prescription lets you get three months’ worth of your daily medication in one fill instead of one month’s. It’s not a special drug or a new treatment. It’s the same pills - just more of them, packed into one prescription. These are designed for maintenance medications - drugs you take every day for chronic conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, or thyroid issues.

It’s not for antibiotics, painkillers, or short-term meds. Those stay at 30 days. But if you’ve been on the same pill for six months or more, you’re likely eligible.

Why It Works Better Than Monthly Refills

Think about it: if you forget to refill your prescription one month, you risk running out. Miss a refill? You might skip a dose. Skip a dose? Your blood pressure spikes. Your sugar goes up. Your risk of hospitalization climbs.

Studies show people on 90-day supplies are 27% more likely to stick to their meds. That’s not a small boost. That’s the difference between staying healthy and ending up in the ER. One 2023 study in JAMA Network Open found patients on 90-day scripts had 10.39 more days of medication per month than those on 30-day fills. That’s nearly two extra weeks of coverage every month.

And it’s cheaper. On average, you save $2.35 per prescription each month. For someone on three meds, that’s over $80 a year - and often more if you’re on brand-name drugs. Some pharmacies, like Walmart, offer generics at just $10 for 90 days.

How to Get Started

Getting a 90-day supply isn’t automatic. You have to ask - and know how to ask right.

1. Check your insurance plan. Log in to your insurer’s website (Cigna, Aetna, Express Scripts, CVS Caremark) or call the number on your card. Search for “90-day supply” or “mail order pharmacy.” Not all plans offer it, but most commercial plans do. Medicare Part D plans are required to offer it. Medicare Advantage plans sometimes go even further - offering 100-day supplies.
2. Confirm your meds qualify. Only maintenance drugs are eligible. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist or check your insurer’s list. Common qualifying meds: lisinopril, metformin, atorvastatin, sertraline, levothyroxine. If you’re on a specialty drug (like for rheumatoid arthritis or MS), you might need three 30-day fills first before switching.
3. Ask your doctor for a 90-day prescription. This is the key step. Most doctors default to 30-day scripts. You need to say: “I’d like to switch to a 90-day supply for my [medication name] to reduce pharmacy trips and save money. Can you write a new prescription for 90 days?”
4. Choose your pickup method. You have two options:

• Mail-order pharmacy: Sign up through your insurer’s mail service (like CVS Caremark Mail Service or Express Scripts). Your meds arrive by mail in 7-10 business days. Most plans include free shipping, refill reminders, and even safety checks for drug interactions.
• Select retail pharmacies: Some plans, like Cigna 90 NowSM, let you get 90-day fills at specific network pharmacies - but not every Walmart or CVS. Check your plan’s list before showing up.

What to Do If Your Doctor Says No

Sometimes, doctors say, “I only write 30-day scripts.” That’s outdated. Here’s what to say next:

“I understand you usually write 30-day prescriptions, but I’m trying to improve my adherence and reduce trips to the pharmacy. Studies show patients on 90-day supplies take their meds more consistently. My insurance covers it, and I’m on a long-term medication. Can you please write a 90-day script?”

Bring a printout from your insurer’s website showing 90-day coverage is available. Most doctors will agree once they know it’s covered and supported by evidence.

Watch Out for These Pitfalls

Not everyone can use 90-day supplies. Watch out for:

• State restrictions: California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas, and Washington have rules that block some mail-order programs.
• Specialty drugs: These often require three 30-day fills before switching. Don’t assume you can jump straight to 90 days.
• Tiered pricing: Your copay changes based on drug tier. Generics cost the least - sometimes $10 at Walmart. Brand-name drugs cost more. Check your plan’s formulary before choosing.
• Delivery delays: Mail-order takes 7-10 days. Don’t wait until you’re out of pills. Order at least a week before you run out.

How Much Can You Really Save?

Let’s say you take three common meds:

• Lisinopril (generic blood pressure) - $4 for 30 days, $10 for 90 days at Walmart
• Metformin (generic diabetes) - $5 for 30 days, $12 for 90 days
• Atorvastatin (generic cholesterol) - $6 for 30 days, $15 for 90 days

Monthly cost: $15

90-day cost: $37

That’s $45 a month vs. $37 - you save $8 a month, or $96 a year. Now multiply that by three meds. Add in fewer trips, less gas, less time off work. The savings add up fast.

What If You’re on Medicare?

Medicare Part D plans must offer 90-day supplies. You can get them through mail-order or select retail pharmacies. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) sometimes offer 100-day supplies - that’s even better. Check your plan’s formulary or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Don’t assume you’re locked into 30-day fills.

Next Steps: Make It Happen

Here’s your simple action plan:

1. Log into your insurance portal and search for “90-day supply” or “mail order.”
2. Write down the names of your maintenance meds.
3. Call your doctor’s office and ask for a 90-day prescription for each one.
4. Choose your delivery method: mail-order for convenience, or a network pharmacy if you prefer to pick up.
5. Set a reminder to reorder 10 days before you run out.

One phone call. One doctor’s note. One new routine. That’s all it takes to cut your pharmacy trips by two-thirds. And if you stick with it, you’ll be taking your meds more consistently - which means fewer health scares down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions