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

Going to the pharmacy every month for the same pills? If you’re taking medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, or depression, you’re not alone. Millions of people do this-and it’s more than just a hassle. It’s a hidden barrier to staying healthy. The good news? You can get a 90-day supply of your maintenance meds in one go. That means three months of pills, one trip, and fewer chances to run out. But getting it isn’t always automatic. You have to ask-and know how to ask the right way.

Why 90-Day Supplies Work Better

Most people get 30-day prescriptions because that’s what doctors usually write. But here’s the thing: studies show people who get 90-day supplies take their meds more consistently. A 2023 study in JAMA Network Open found that patients on 90-day plans had a 27% increase in days covered by their medication. That’s not a small bump. That’s the difference between staying in control of your health and risking a hospital visit.

It’s not just about adherence. It’s also about cost. On average, people save $2.35 per prescription each month by switching to 90-day fills. That adds up to over $28 a year per drug-and if you’re on three meds, that’s nearly $90 saved. Plus, fewer trips mean less gas, less time off work, and less stress.

These programs only work for maintenance medications. That means drugs you take every day for long-term conditions: blood pressure pills, statins, insulin, antidepressants, thyroid meds. They don’t work for antibiotics, painkillers, or short-term treatments. If your doctor writes a prescription for “as needed,” it won’t qualify.

Who Offers 90-Day Supplies?

Most major insurance plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) offer 90-day options. But they don’t all work the same way.

• CVS Caremark: Lets you order by mail. You’ll get your meds delivered in 7-10 business days. Only works for chronic condition drugs like hypertension or diabetes. You can’t use it for antibiotics or short-term meds.
• Express Scripts: Offers mail delivery with free shipping and safety checks to avoid bad drug interactions. They even send you supplies like syringes if you need them. Delivery is scheduled Monday-Friday.
• Cigna 90 NowSM: You can get 90-day fills at select retail pharmacies, not every CVS or Walgreens. You’ll need to check your plan’s network. They also offer 24/7 pharmacist support and refill reminders.
• Aetna: If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, you might qualify for 100-day supplies. That’s even better-four months of meds in one go.
• Walmart: Offers the lowest prices on generics. A 90-day supply of many common meds costs just $10. But you have to go in person. No mail service.

Not All Drugs Qualify

Even if your insurance offers 90-day fills, not every drug is eligible. Here’s what usually blocks you:

• Specialty drugs: Like those for MS, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer. Most plans require three 30-day fills before you can switch to 90-day.
• Tier 5 medications: These are the most expensive brand-name drugs. Most plans cap them at 30 days.
• State restrictions: Some states like California, Texas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Washington have rules that block certain mail-order programs.
• Oral contraceptives: Often limited to 84-day supplies (three packs), but still counted as a 90-day fill by insurers like Cigna.

If you’re unsure, check your plan’s website or call the number on your insurance card. Ask: “Does my plan offer 90-day supplies for [medication name]?”

How to Get a 90-Day Prescription

You can’t just walk in and ask for three months’ worth. You need a new prescription. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Check your insurance plan. Log into your insurer’s website or call customer service. Confirm you’re enrolled in a 90-day program. Some plans require you to opt in.
2. Confirm your meds qualify. Make sure your drug is listed as a maintenance medication. If you’re on a new drug, ask your pharmacist or doctor if it’s eligible.
3. Ask your doctor. Don’t just say, “Can I get 90 days?” Say: “I’d like to switch to a 90-day supply of [medication] to help me stay on track. Is that possible?” Many doctors will say yes if you explain it’s about adherence.
4. Choose your delivery method. You have two options:

• Mail order: Your doctor sends the prescription electronically to your PBM’s mail pharmacy (like CVS Caremark or Express Scripts). You’ll get it in 7-10 days. You can track it online.
• Pharmacy pickup: If you’re using Cigna 90 NowSM or Walmart, your doctor sends the script to a participating pharmacy. You pick it up in person. Walmart requires this for their $10 generic program.

If your doctor says no, ask for a reason. Sometimes they don’t know the program exists. Show them this: “I’m on [Insurance Name]’s 90-day program. It’s proven to improve adherence and lower costs. Can we try it?” Most will agree after a quick check.

What If Your Doctor Refuses?

Sometimes doctors are used to writing 30-day scripts. They worry about side effects, dosage changes, or liability. But here’s what you can do:

• Bring printed info from your insurer’s website showing the program is safe and approved.
• Ask if they’ll write a 90-day script with a note: “Patient enrolled in 90-day supply program.”
• Call your pharmacy’s clinical team. Many PBMs have pharmacists who can contact your doctor on your behalf. Express Scripts and CVS Caremark offer this service.
• If all else fails, ask for a 60-day script as a middle ground. It’s not ideal, but better than 30.

Don’t give up. This isn’t about pushing back-it’s about taking control of your health.

How to Stay Organized

Once you get your 90-day supply, don’t just stash it. Set up reminders so you never run out.

• Sign up for refill alerts. Most mail-order services (CVS, Express Scripts, Cigna) send texts or emails when it’s time to reorder.
• Mark your calendar. Even with a 90-day supply, refill requests take 5-7 days to process. Order yours 10 days before you run out.
• Use a pill organizer. Even if you’re on one med, a weekly divider helps you see if you’ve missed a dose.
• Keep a list. Write down all your meds, doses, and refill dates. Share it with your doctor at every visit.

Many plans also offer free tools: Express Scripts has safety checks for drug interactions. CVS Caremark sends reminders for missed doses. Use them. They’re there to help.

What to Do If You’re on Medicare or Medicaid

Medicare Part D plans are required to offer 90-day supplies. If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), you might even get 100-day fills. But if you’re on Medicaid, things get tricky. Some state Medicaid programs don’t allow mail-order delivery or restrict 90-day fills to certain drugs.

Call your state’s Medicaid office or log into your plan’s portal. Ask: “Do I qualify for a 90-day supply of [medication] under my Medicaid plan?” If they say no, ask if you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that offers it.

Don’t assume you’re locked out. Many people don’t realize they can get 90-day supplies even on government plans.

Final Tip: Start Small, Think Long-Term

If you’ve never tried a 90-day supply, start with one medication. Pick the one you forget the most. Maybe it’s your blood pressure pill. Get that one on a 90-day plan first. See how it feels. Then add another.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. One less trip a month. One less chance to skip a dose. One less worry about running out.

And remember: this isn’t just a pharmacy trick. It’s a proven way to stay healthier, save money, and take back control of your routine. You’ve already taken the hardest step-you’re asking. Now go ask your doctor. Then your insurer. Then your pharmacist. Keep asking until you get it.