How to Get 90-Day Fills to Lower Prescription Costs
Jan, 13 2026
Every time you refill your blood pressure or diabetes medication, you’re paying the same copay-whether you get 30 days or 90 days of pills. That’s not a mistake. It’s a hidden savings opportunity most people never ask for. If you take the same medicine every day, you could be getting 90-day prescription fills without realizing it. And if you do, you could save hundreds a year-without changing your medication or insurance.
Why 90-Day Fills Save You Money
Think of it this way: if your copay is $4.90 for a 30-day supply, you pay $14.70 every three months. But if you get a 90-day supply, you still pay $4.90. That’s $9.80 saved every time you refill. Multiply that by 4 refills a year, and you’re saving nearly $40 per medication, annually. For someone on three maintenance drugs? That’s over $120 a year-just by asking for a longer supply. This isn’t magic. It’s how insurance works. Most plans treat a 90-day supply as one fill, not three. So your copay doesn’t increase, even though you’re getting three times the pills. Some plans even offer lower copays for 90-day fills through mail-order pharmacies. CVS Caremark, for example, only dispenses maintenance meds in 90-day units through their mail service. And with home delivery, you don’t pay shipping. The savings add up fast. UnitedHealth Group estimates that in 2025, Americans using 90-day prescriptions saved about $600 million collectively. If adoption jumped from 12% to 70%, that number could hit $1.9 billion in one year. You don’t need to be part of a big company plan to benefit. Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and private insurers all offer this option.Who Qualifies for a 90-Day Prescription
Not every drug qualifies. You need a medication for a chronic condition-something you take every day, long-term. Common examples include:- High blood pressure (lisinopril, amlodipine)
- Diabetes (metformin, glimepiride)
- Cholesterol (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin)
- Thyroid (levothyroxine)
- Depression or anxiety (sertraline, escitalopram)
How to Get a 90-Day Fill-Step by Step
Getting a 90-day supply is simple. You don’t need special forms or apps. Here’s how to do it:- Check your current prescription. Look at the label. Does it say "Refills: 3" or more? If yes, you can likely get a 90-day fill now. If it says "Refills: 0" or "1" and you’re due for a refill, call your doctor’s office.
- Ask your doctor to write for 90 days. Say: "I’d like to switch to a 90-day supply for this medication. Is that possible?" Most doctors will say yes, especially if you’ve been taking it for months. They can write a new prescription for 90 days with 3 refills, or just extend the existing one.
- Choose your pharmacy. You have two options: retail or mail-order. At your local CVS, Walgreens, or pharmacy, ask if they offer 90-day fills in-store. Many do now. Or, sign up for mail-order through your insurer’s partner (like Postal Prescription Services or CVS Caremark). Mail-order often costs less and delivers right to your door.
- Confirm your copay. Before you fill it, call your insurer or check your plan’s website. Ask: "What’s my copay for a 90-day supply of [medication name]?" Don’t assume it’s the same as 30 days. Some plans have different tiers.
- Fill and save. Once approved, get your 90-day supply. You’ll get 90 pills instead of 30-and pay the same amount. No extra paperwork. No extra cost.
Mail-Order vs. Retail: Which Is Better?
You can get 90-day fills at your local pharmacy or through mail-order. Both work, but they have trade-offs.| Feature | Mail-Order | Retail Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually lowest copay | Sometimes higher, but often same |
| Delivery | Free, direct to home | Pick up in person |
| Convenience | One order every 3 months | Still need to go to pharmacy |
| Speed | 5-7 days to receive | Same-day pickup |
| Flexibility | Hard to change dose or cancel quickly | Easier to adjust if needed |
Common Problems-and How to Fix Them
Not everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you might run into:- "We can’t fill it for 90 days." Ask if it’s a pharmacy policy or insurance rule. If it’s insurance, call your plan directly. Sometimes the pharmacy doesn’t know the rules. Your insurer can override it.
- "Your prescription doesn’t have enough refills." Call your doctor. They can send a new prescription for 90 days with 3 refills. No appointment needed-most offices can do it over the phone or portal.
- "My copay is higher for 90 days." This is rare, but happens. Check your plan’s formulary. Some plans charge more if you don’t use mail-order. Switching to mail-order might lower your cost.
- "The pharmacy won’t process it." Ask to speak to the pharmacist, not the technician. Pharmacists know the rules better. If they still refuse, try another location. Not all pharmacies handle 90-day fills the same way.
Why This Matters Beyond Saving Money
It’s not just about the cash. Taking your meds every day is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Studies show people who get 90-day supplies are far more likely to stick with their treatment. Fewer trips to the pharmacy means fewer chances to skip a refill. Life gets busy. Kids get sick. Work runs late. If you only have 30 days of pills, you might forget to refill until you’re out. One study found patients on 90-day fills were 30% more likely to stay on their meds than those on 30-day supplies. That means fewer hospital visits, fewer complications, and better long-term health. For someone with heart disease or diabetes, that’s life-changing. And let’s not forget the time saved. Eight fewer pharmacy visits a year. That’s over 16 hours you won’t spend waiting in line, driving, or calling in refills. That’s time you can spend with family, at work, or just resting.
What to Do Next
Look at your medicine cabinet. What prescriptions do you take every day? Write them down. Then:- Call your doctor and ask if those meds can be switched to 90-day fills.
- Call your pharmacy and ask if they offer 90-day supplies in-store.
- Check your insurance website for mail-order options.
- Ask your pharmacist to compare your current cost vs. what it would be for 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a 90-day supply if I’m not on insurance?
Yes. Even without insurance, some pharmacies offer discounted 90-day pricing through programs like GoodRx or manufacturer coupons. For example, the LINZESS Savings Program lets you pay as little as $30 for 90 days, whether you have insurance or not. Always ask your pharmacist about cash prices and discount cards.
What if my doctor won’t prescribe a 90-day supply?
Some doctors are hesitant because they’re used to writing 30-day scripts. But if you’ve been stable on the medication for months, you have a strong case. Ask them to review your adherence history. If they still refuse, get a second opinion from another provider. Many clinics now encourage 90-day fills as part of routine care.
Can I switch back to 30-day if I need to?
Absolutely. If your condition changes, your doctor adjusts your dose, or you experience side effects, you can switch back to a 30-day supply. Just call your doctor and ask for a new prescription. There’s no penalty for switching.
Are there any downsides to 90-day fills?
The main downside is reduced flexibility. If your medication needs change quickly, you might have leftover pills. But for most people on stable treatment, this isn’t an issue. Also, some retail pharmacies may be less enthusiastic about 90-day fills because they earn less per dispensing. But that doesn’t affect your cost or access.
How long does it take to get a 90-day supply through mail-order?
Typically 5 to 7 business days from when the pharmacy receives your prescription. Some services offer expedited shipping for a fee, but most standard deliveries are free. Plan ahead-don’t wait until you’re out of pills. Order when you have about 10 days left.