How to Get 90-Day Fills to Lower Prescription Costs

Getting a 90-day supply of your medication instead of a 30-day one isn’t just about fewer trips to the pharmacy-it’s about real money saved. If you’re taking medication for a long-term condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, switching to a 90-day fill could save you up to $39 a year per drug. That’s not a small amount. For someone on three or four maintenance meds, that adds up to hundreds in savings annually-without changing your treatment or buying anything extra.

Why 90-Day Fills Save You Money

Most insurance plans charge the same copay whether you get 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. You’re getting three times the pills for the same price. That’s not a discount-it’s a direct savings. Over a year, instead of paying $14.70 for three separate 30-day fills, you pay just $4.90. That’s $9.80 saved per medication every three months, or nearly $40 a year per drug.

Some plans even offer lower copays for 90-day supplies through mail-order pharmacies. For example, CVS Caremark and other pharmacy benefit managers often have special rates for home delivery. You’re not just saving on the drug cost-you’re also cutting out gas, time off work, and the hassle of remembering to refill every month.

Who Qualifies for a 90-Day Fill

Not every medication qualifies, and not every patient automatically gets the option. To get a 90-day supply, you need to meet two basic criteria:

• Your medication is for a chronic condition-something you take every day for months or years.
• You’ve already been taking it successfully for at least a few months, with no side effects or changes needed.

Common medications that qualify include statins for cholesterol, ACE inhibitors for blood pressure, metformin for diabetes, thyroid pills, and antidepressants. If you’re unsure, check your prescription label. If it says “refills: 3” or more, you’re likely eligible.

How to Get a 90-Day Prescription

There are two straightforward ways to get a 90-day supply, and neither requires special skills or paperwork.

1. Ask your doctor when you get your next prescription. Say: “Can you write this for a 90-day supply?” Most doctors are happy to do it-they know it helps patients stick to their treatment. If they say no, ask why. Sometimes it’s just a habit. Insurance rules don’t usually block it.
2. Ask your pharmacy if they can fill your existing 30-day prescription as a 90-day supply. Many pharmacies can do this if your prescription has refills left and your insurance allows it. You don’t need a new script.

Some pharmacies, like CVS or Walgreens, now offer in-store 90-day fills. Others partner with mail-order services like Postal Prescription Services or Express Scripts. Mail-order is often the cheapest option because it’s designed for long-term meds and includes free delivery.

Mail-Order vs. Retail Pharmacy

You have two main choices: get your 90-day supply at your local pharmacy or through a mail-order service.

Comparison of 90-Day Fill Options

Feature	Mail-Order Pharmacy	Retail Pharmacy (In-Store)
Cost	Usually lowest copay	Sometimes same as mail-order, sometimes higher
Delivery	Free, shipped to your door	Pick up in person
Convenience	One order, three months of meds	Still need to visit pharmacy
Speed	7-10 days to arrive	Usually same day
Best for	Stable, long-term meds	People who want immediate access

If you’re not in a rush, mail-order is the clear winner. You avoid the line, you don’t have to remember to refill, and you’re more likely to stick with your meds. Studies show people who use mail-order for 90-day fills are 20% more likely to keep taking their medication as prescribed.

What to Do If Your Insurance Won’t Cover It

Sometimes, your plan won’t approve a 90-day fill right away. That’s frustrating, but not the end of the road.

• Call your insurance company. Ask: “Does my plan allow 90-day fills for this medication?” Some plans require prior authorization. That just means your doctor needs to send a note saying it’s medically appropriate.
• Ask your pharmacist to check. Pharmacists can often call your insurer on your behalf and get a quick answer.
• If your plan still says no, ask your doctor to write a letter of medical necessity. This isn’t complicated-just explain that the 90-day supply improves adherence and reduces risk of hospitalization.

You’d be surprised how often a simple phone call changes the outcome. One patient in Bristol told her insurer she was missing work every month to refill her blood pressure meds. They approved the 90-day fill the next day.

Common Misconceptions

There are a few myths that keep people from using 90-day fills:

• “I’ll run out if something changes.” If your doctor needs to adjust your dose, they can always write a new prescription. You’re not locked in.
• “It’s only for Medicare patients.” False. Most commercial plans, Medicaid, and even some employer plans offer it.
• “Pharmacies don’t like it.” Retail pharmacies may make less profit on 90-day fills because they get paid per dispensing, not per pill. But that doesn’t mean they won’t fill it. Most will, especially if you ask clearly.

The bottom line: your health comes first. If a 90-day fill helps you take your meds consistently and saves you money, it’s worth pushing for.

Real Savings, Real Impact

A UnitedHealth Group report from June 2025 estimated that 90-day prescriptions already save consumers and employers $600 million a year. If adoption jumped from the current 12% to 70%, that number could hit $1.9 billion in just the first year. That’s not just a win for your wallet-it’s a win for the whole system.

People who use 90-day fills are less likely to end up in the ER because they missed a dose. They’re less likely to have a heart attack or stroke from uncontrolled blood pressure. That’s why doctors and insurers are pushing for it.

Next Steps

Here’s what to do right now:

1. Look at your current prescriptions. Which ones are for long-term conditions?
2. Check your last refill date. If you’ve been taking it for over 30 days without issues, you’re eligible.
3. Call your doctor’s office and ask: “Can I get a 90-day supply of [medication name]?”
4. Ask your pharmacy if they offer 90-day fills in-store or through mail-order.
5. If you get mail-order, sign up for automatic refills so you never run out.

It takes five minutes. The savings last all year.