Do you have to use CVS if you have CVS Caremark?

Asked by: Rafael Adams  |  Last update: December 8, 2025
Score: 5/5 (73 votes)

A: No, you do not have to use a CVS Pharmacy. You may go to any pharmacy in our network of more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Do you have to use CVS with CVS Caremark?

Do I have to use CVS Pharmacy® to fill my prescriptions? No. You can go to any pharmacy in the network.

Are CVS and CVS Caremark the same company?

CVS Health Corporation is an American for-profit healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; and Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands.

Can I use CVS Caremark at another pharmacy?

CVS/caremark has a very extensive network of over 68,000 participating pharmacies that includes most of the large pharmacy chains, including but not limited to, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, etc. The network also includes roughly 26,000 independent pharmacies across the country.

What pharmacies can I go to with CVS Caremark?

  • Participating Retail Pharmacies. The following list shows the major chain pharmacies that accept your prescription discount ID card. ...
  • A. A & P Pharmacy. ...
  • B. Baker's Pharmacy. ...
  • C. Carle Rx Express. ...
  • D. Dahl's Pharmacy. ...
  • E. Eaton Apothecary. ...
  • F. Fairview. ...
  • G. Genuardis Pharmacy.

Getting to Know Your Prescription Benefits | CVS Caremark

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What is the advantage of CVS Caremark?

CVS Caremark provides convenient access to retail and mail service delivery options to help ensure you receive the prescriptions you need. Your prescription drug plan includes access to: A nationwide network of more than 68,000 participating retail pharmacies (both CVS and non-CVS pharmacies).

Can I use any CVS pharmacy?

You can order prescriptions on CVS.com® and pick them up at any CVS/pharmacy location.

Can I use GoodRx with CVS Caremark?

CVS Caremark Integrates Systems with GoodRx. Beginning in January 2024, if GoodRx shows a lower CVS price than a member's plan price, that lower price will automatically be given. CVS Caremark has partnered with GoodRx to more seamlessly connect members with GoodRx's CVS pricing for generic drugs.

How do I opt out of CVS Caremark?

You can OPT-OUT from the Maintenance Choice program and continue filling your 30-day supply of maintenance medication from a network pharmacy. To opt-out from the program, you must contact Customer Care at 1-800-776-1355. You will not benefit from the savings of a 90-day supply since higher retail copays will apply.

How do I switch prescriptions to another pharmacy?

Once you've chosen a pharmacy, you can start the prescription transfer process with them over the phone, in person or online. The new pharmacy will need to collect some information from you, including: Full name and date of birth. Home address and phone number.

What insurance company uses CVS Caremark?

Your secure Caremark account. Aetna Medicare partners with CVS Caremark®. This enables us to provide you with quality prescription drug coverage. And the services you need to easily manage your benefits.

Is CVS owned by Target?

On June 15, 2015, CVS Health announced its agreement to acquire Target Corporation's pharmacy and retail clinic businesses. The deal expanded CVS to new markets in Seattle, Denver, Portland and Salt Lake City. The acquisition includes more than 1,660 pharmacies in 47 states.

How does CVS Caremark make money?

Pharmacy benefit management is the part of CVS's business that processes prescription claims. Known by the name Caremark, it is distinct from CVS's pharmacy operations in that the former is a high-volume operator that deals directly with drug manufacturers, setting prices, handling mail orders, etc.

How do I switch my prescriptions to CVS Caremark?

You can either:
  1. Ask your doctor to send a prescription to CVS Caremark® Mail Service Pharmacy or,
  2. Sign in to request a new prescription and CVS Caremark will contact your doctor to get approval.

Why did I get a check from CVS Caremark?

The settlement barred the deceptive claims and required CVS Caremark to pay $5 million to reimburse affected Medicare Part D consumers for the price discrepancy. Beginning on September 4, a redress administrator for the FTC, Rust Consulting, Inc., began mailing checks to victims of the deceptive conduct.

Does Walgreens participate in Caremark?

Walgreens Will Not Participate in Future CVS Caremark Pharmacy Network Plans Walgreens Will Not Participate in Future CVS Caremark Pharmacy Network.

Can you use a CVS Caremark card at Walmart?

The CVS/Caremark Retail Network includes more than 66,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including Walgreens, Target, Costco, Walmart, Rite Aid, Safeway, independent pharmacies, chain pharmacies, and 9,900 CVS Pharmacy locations.

How do I cancel my CVS Caremark prescription?

You have the opportunity to cancel the order, if needed, within seven days. For example, if you receive a message on April 1 that we are about to refill or renew a prescription, you would have until April 8 to cancel the request. You can cancel a request by logging on to Caremark.com or by calling Customer Care.

How does CVS Caremark work?

After you enroll for medical plan coverage, an ID card will be mailed to you. Present your ID card at participating retail pharmacies, and you will be charged the applicable copayment. Your plan will cover the rest. Once you receive your ID card, you can register as a member to access the CVS Caremark website.

Can I only go to CVS with CVS Caremark?

A: No, you do not have to use a CVS Pharmacy. You may go to any pharmacy in our network of more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Does CVS no longer accept GoodRx?

GoodRx is accepted at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide — including major chains like CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, VONS, and Albertsons!

Why did CVS buy Caremark?

John Farrall of National City Private Client Group said buying Caremark would help boost CVS' offerings under the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Separately, both companies reported their third-quarter earnings on Wednesday, a day before they had planned.

Does CVS Caremark work at other pharmacies?

The network includes all major chains and most independent pharmacies. The following list shows the major chain pharmacies that accept your prescription ID card. In addition to the pharmacies listed below, many independent pharmacies also take part in the prescription program.

Are CVS and CVS Caremark the same?

2007: CVS acquires Caremark, giving birth to the nation's leading pharmacy-benefits manager.

Can I just use any pharmacy?

Your health plan may require you to use certain pharmacies. This means they may not pay for your prescription if you do not use one of these pharmacies. To find a pharmacy that takes your health plan: Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card.