For new immigrants, one of the most important steps in settling into the U.S. is learning how to find a pharmacy that fits their needs. Whether you need to fill a prescription, buy over-the-counter medicine, or access health information and consultations, choosing the right pharmacy can save time and money.
There are many pharmacy options in the U.S., including major chains like Walgreens and CVS, grocery store pharmacies, independent drugstores, and online pharmacies. Additionally, prescription costs can vary widely depending on insurance coverage, location, age, and discount programs.
This guide will explain:
Where to get a prescription and how to fill it.
Different types of pharmacies and their benefits.
How to save money on medications with discount programs and online services.
By understanding these options, you can find a pharmacy location that is convenient, affordable, and best suited to your healthcare needs.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may receive a small commission to help support our site, at no additional cost to you.
Where to Get a Prescription
Before filling a prescription, you must first receive one from a licensed healthcare provider. Prescriptions can be obtained through different medical services, including:
Primary Care Doctor
If you have a primary care doctor, they will be your first contact and main healthcare provider for medical checkups, chronic conditions, and prescription needs. If you need a new medication or a refill, your doctor will electronically send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy.
Telehealth Services
Many people in the U.S. use telehealth for convenient, virtual doctor visits. Services like Teladoc and Doctor on Demand allow you to speak with a doctor online and receive a prescription electronically. This is especially useful if you:
Need a prescription for common conditions like allergies, infections, or cold symptoms.
Do not have an established primary care provider.
Want to avoid an in-person visit for minor health concerns.
Urgent Care Centers
If you need immediate, non-emergency care, an urgent care center can treat common illnesses like flu, infections, or minor injuries. These centers can prescribe medications if necessary. Urgent care centers are a good option if:
You do not have a primary doctor yet.
You need a prescription quickly outside of normal office hours.
Many urgent care clinics also partner with nearby pharmacies to make filling prescriptions easier.
Where to Fill a Prescription in the U.S.
Once you have a prescription, you need to choose a pharmacy to fill it. The U.S. has many pharmacy options, including:
National Pharmacy Chains
Large pharmacy chains are available in most cities and states, making it easy to find a location nearby. These pharmacies offer:
Fast prescription refills and consultations.
Mobile apps to track medications and request refills.
Vaccination services for flu, COVID-19, and other immunizations.
The largest national pharmacy chains include:
Walgreens – Offers a mobile app, delivery services, and 24-hour locations in some cities.
CVS Pharmacy – Provides medication refills, health screenings, and same-day prescription pickup.
Rite Aid – Available in select states with discount programs for uninsured patients.
Pharmacies Inside Grocery Stores
Many grocery store chains have in-store pharmacies, allowing you to shop for groceries while picking up medications. These pharmacies often offer:
Competitive pricing on generic medications.
Discounted prescriptions for members or loyalty card users.
Common grocery store pharmacies include:
Walmart Pharmacy – Known for low-cost prescription drugs and home delivery options.
Kroger Pharmacy – Offers discounted prescriptions through its membership program.
Publix Pharmacy – Provides free medications for certain conditions in select states.
Independent and Local Pharmacies
Independent pharmacies may offer more personalized services compared to large chains. Some benefits include:
One-on-one consultations with pharmacists.
Custom medication services like compounding for specialized prescriptions.
Shorter wait times in less crowded locations.
While independent pharmacies may not have as many locations, they can provide the benefits of excellent customer service and specialized care.
Online Pharmacies
For maximum convenience, online pharmacies allow you to fill prescriptions and have them delivered to your home. Some of the most popular online pharmacies include:
Amazon Pharmacy – Lets you order prescriptions through Amazon with fast shipping.
HealthWarehouse – An FDA-approved online pharmacy with competitive prices.
Centerwell Pharmacy – Online pharmacy with access to over 600+ licensed pharmacists.
Online pharmacies are ideal for busy individuals, people with mobility issues, or those who prefer home delivery.
Understand Prescription Costs and Insurance Coverage
The cost of prescription medications in the U.S. varies depending on:
Whether you have insurance – Some medications are covered under health insurance plans, while others require out-of-pocket payments.
Brand-name vs. generic drugs – Generic medications are often 80-90% cheaper than brand-name versions.
Pharmacy location – Prices can vary between different pharmacies, even for the same medication.
In-network or out-of-network Insurance – In-network pharmacies offer discounts on prices
If you do not have insurance, some pharmacies offer discounted plans and cash prices or accept prescription discount programs.
Sometimes, the discounted plan prices will be cheaper than the price you’ll pay under your health insurance.
3 Ways to Save Money on Medications
1. Use Prescription Discount Programs
If you do not have insurance, or if your medication is expensive, discount programs can help you pay less for prescriptions. Some of the most popular options include:
GoodRx – Compares prices at different pharmacies and provides discount coupons.
SingleCare – Offers discounted prescription prices with no membership fee.
RxSaver – Helps patients search out the best prices on medications in their area.
Many pharmacies accept these premium discount cards, allowing you to save on prescription costs without insurance.
2. Ask for Generic Medications
When filling a prescription, ask the pharmacist if a generic version is available. Generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs but cost significantly less.
3. Compare Pharmacy Prices
Medication prices vary between pharmacies, so checking different locations can help you find the lowest price. You can use the GoodRx app or website to find and compare prices before filling a prescription.
How to Manage Your Prescriptions with Pharmacy Apps
Most major pharmacies offer mobile apps to help you track medications, request refills, and schedule reminders. Some of the best pharmacy apps include:
Walgreens App – Allows users to order refills, check prescription status, and set medication reminders.
CVS Pharmacy App – Offers refill tracking, rewards, and appointment booking.
Amazon Pharmacy – Lets you track orders and manage prescriptions from your phone.
Using these apps can make managing prescriptions easier and more convenient.
Choosing the Right Pharmacy for Your Needs
Finding the right pharmacy depends on your location, prescription needs, and budget. Consider:
Convenience – Choose a pharmacy that is close to home or work or offers delivery options.
Price – Compare costs and check for discount programs.
Services offered – Look for pharmacies with 24-hour assistance, vaccinations, and health consultations.
By selecting the right pharmacy, you can ensure that your medications are affordable, accessible, and easy to manage.
For more essential steps on settling into life in the U.S., refer back to Welcome to the United States – A Guide for New Immigrants for more information on finding housing, transportation, and other necessities.
