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

Running out of your blood pressure or diabetes meds every month is exhausting. You’re juggling work, family, and appointments-then you remember you’re out of pills. You rush to the pharmacy, wait in line, and hope they have your prescription in stock. It’s a cycle that eats up time, energy, and sometimes your peace of mind. What if you could cut that down to just four trips a year instead of twelve? That’s the real promise of a 90-day prescription supply.

Why 90-Day Supplies Work Better

Most people get 30-day fills because that’s what doctors usually write and pharmacies default to. But for medications you take every day-like those for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or depression-there’s a smarter way. A 90-day supply means you get three months’ worth in one go. No more monthly runs. No more forgetting refills. No more running out on a weekend.

Studies show people who use 90-day supplies take their meds more consistently. One major study in JAMA Network Open found that switching to a 90-day supply increased the number of days patients had their medication on hand by nearly 27%. That’s huge. Better adherence means fewer hospital visits, fewer complications, and less stress.

You also save money. On average, people pay $2.35 less per prescription each month with a 90-day fill. That adds up to over $28 a year per med. At Walmart, generic 90-day supplies can cost as little as $10. For brand-name drugs, plans like Express Scripts and Cigna often charge $20-$40 for a 90-day supply, compared to $60-$120 for three separate 30-day fills.

Which Medications Qualify?

Not every drug can be filled for 90 days. These programs are meant for maintenance medications-drugs you take daily for chronic conditions. That includes:

• High blood pressure (lisinopril, amlodipine)
• Cholesterol (atorvastatin, simvastatin)
• Diabetes (metformin, glimepiride)
• Thyroid (levothyroxine)
• Depression and anxiety (sertraline, escitalopram)
• Heartburn (omeprazole)

You can’t get 90-day fills for antibiotics, painkillers, or short-term meds like steroids. Specialty drugs like those for rheumatoid arthritis or MS usually require three 30-day fills first before you’re eligible. And some drugs, like oral contraceptives, might only give you 84 days (three packs), but that still counts as a 90-day supply under most plans.

How to Get a 90-Day Prescription

Step one: Check your insurance plan. Log into your insurer’s website-Cigna, Aetna, Express Scripts, or CVS Caremark-and look for “90-day supply,” “mail order,” or “extended fill.” If you’re on Medicare Part D, you’re automatically eligible. Medicare Advantage plans sometimes offer 100-day supplies.

Step two: Talk to your doctor. Don’t just ask, “Can I get 90 days?” Say this instead: “I’d like to switch my [medication name] to a 90-day supply to make refills easier and save on costs. Can you write a new prescription for 90 days?” Most doctors are happy to do this-it’s better for you and reduces their follow-up calls.

Step three: Choose your delivery method. You have two main options:

1. Mail-order pharmacy: Use your insurer’s service like CVS Caremark Mail Service or Express Scripts Home Delivery. You’ll get your meds delivered to your door in 7-10 business days. You can set up automatic refills so you never run out.
2. Select retail pharmacies: Some plans, like Cigna 90 NowSM, let you get 90-day fills at specific pharmacies in their network. Walmart is a big one for generics-you can walk in and pay $10 for a 90-day supply of common meds.

If your doctor uses electronic prescribing, they can send the 90-day script directly to the mail-order pharmacy. If not, you can ask your insurer to call your doctor for you. Most PBMs have a dedicated line for this.

What to Watch Out For

Not all plans are created equal. Here are the common traps:

• Network restrictions: Cigna members can’t just go to any pharmacy. You must use a participating location. Check your plan’s list before you go.
• State limits: Some states like California, Texas, and Minnesota block certain mail-order programs. If you live there, you may need to use retail or switch plans.
• Specialty drugs: These often require prior authorization or three 30-day fills before you can get 90 days. Don’t assume you qualify right away.
• Tiered pricing: Your copay changes based on whether your drug is generic, preferred brand, or non-preferred brand. Always check your plan’s formulary before switching.

Also, don’t try to use a 90-day supply for a new medication. Doctors usually start with a 30-day fill to make sure it works for you. Wait until you’ve been on it for a month or two, then ask for the extension.

How to Stay on Track

Once you’ve got your 90-day supply, set up reminders. Most mail-order services offer automatic refills and text/email alerts. You can also link your prescription to your phone’s calendar. Mark the day you’ll need to refill-three months from now-and set a reminder for two weeks before that.

If you miss a refill, don’t panic. Call your pharmacy or insurer right away. Many will send you a partial refill or expedite delivery if you’re running low.

Who Benefits the Most?

This isn’t just for older adults. Anyone taking daily meds for a chronic condition can benefit. If you work long hours, have a busy schedule, or live far from a pharmacy, 90-day supplies are a game-changer. Parents managing their child’s asthma meds, young adults on antidepressants, people with multiple prescriptions-all of them save time, money, and mental energy.

The biggest winners? People who used to forget to refill or skip doses because it was too much hassle. The data shows they’re the ones who see the biggest jump in adherence.

What’s Next?

These programs are getting even better. Insurers are adding features like drug interaction checks, automatic dose adjustments, and telehealth consultations to renew prescriptions. Some are even using AI to identify patients who’d benefit most from extended fills-before they even ask.

The bottom line: If you’re on a daily medication, asking for a 90-day supply isn’t a stretch. It’s a smart, proven way to take better care of yourself without extra effort. You don’t need to be sick or old to qualify. You just need to be willing to ask.