What if Walgreens drugs are not covered by insurance?

Asked by: Rosemary Stracke  |  Last update: September 1, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (25 votes)

If your insurance company does not cover your prescription, or if Walgreens does not participate in your plan at this time, you always have the option of paying the full price of the prescription.

What happens if a medication is not covered by insurance?

If your health insurance company won't pay for your prescription, you have the right to appeal the decision and have it reviewed by an independent third party. Learn more about the appeals process.

What to do if insurance won't cover treatment?

Your right to appeal

Internal appeal: If your claim is denied or your health insurance coverage canceled, you have the right to an internal appeal. You may ask your insurance company to conduct a full and fair review of its decision.

How to pay for medications not covered by insurance?

What to do when your medication is not covered by insurance
  1. Ask about generics or alternative medications. ...
  2. Request exception or submit a prior authorization. ...
  3. Appeal a decision. ...
  4. Manufacturer copay program. ...
  5. Switch insurance plans. ...
  6. Pay out-of-pocket. ...
  7. Save with discount cards or coupons. ...
  8. Common medications not covered by insurance.

Will a pharmacy fill a prescription without insurance?

People can buy prescriptions and refills without insurance, but it may be more expensive.

Weight loss drugs will no longer be covered by insurance

39 related questions found

Where can I get medication if I don't have insurance?

Apply for national or disease specific drug assistance programs. There are also free or low-cost drug programs. Apply for state drug assistance programs by contacting your local state insurance commissioner's office. You can find a link to state specific medication programs on your state webpage.

Can a pharmacy refuse to fill a prescription because of insurance?

If your prescription is missing key information or hard-to-read, a pharmacy can refuse to fill it. Other reasons why your pharmacy may not have your prescription ready include insurance rejections or drug shortages.

Why isn't my prescription covered?

In some cases, certain medications may be excluded from coverage due to their potential misuse or abuse. Formularies often don't cover brand-name or expensive drugs when generic or less expensive medications are available. Each plan's formulary is different, so it's important to check with your insurance provider.

Can you use GoodRx if your insurance doesn t cover a medication?

When the GoodRx price is better than their copay, patients can use GoodRx instead of their insurance. If expensive generic or brand-name medications are not covered by insurance, patients might find a more affordable cash price using GoodRx.

How to save money on prescriptions not covered by insurance?

Patient assistance programs, charitable pharmacies, and discount cards are available to help lower medication costs for those without insurance. Some pharmacies also offer certain medications at a low monthly cost.

Can I sue my health insurance company for denying medication?

There are laws designed to protect consumers in the state of California and across the nation. It's not uncommon for policyholders to sue their healthcare insurers for denial of a claim, mainly when the claim is for a service that is crucial to their health and future or the health and future of a loved one.

What happens if you can't pay for treatment?

You can take steps to make sure that the medical bill is correctly calculated and that you get any available financial or necessary legal help. If you do nothing and don't pay, you could be facing late fees and interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.

What are the four common reasons a prescription may not be covered?

Other reasons why your prescription may be denied coverage
  • Out-of-network providers. Some health plans require you to use certain pharmacies to fill your medication. ...
  • Plan limitations. In some cases, your plan may have limits. ...
  • Too early to refill. ...
  • Deductible not met. ...
  • Non-covered medications. ...
  • Pharmacy Benefit Managers.

What is the 28 day prescription rule for controlled substances?

It refers to the number of days you may need to wait between refills of 30-day prescriptions that are considered controlled substances. If you have a medication that follows the 28-day rule on a 30-day supply, it means you can get a refill no earlier than 2 days before the 30 days are up.

What if my insurance won't approve my prescription?

Insurance companies don't cover some medications, which often leaves consumers responsible for the full costs. If your prescription is not covered, you can try generics, biosimilars, or other alternatives. You also may qualify for patient assistance and manufacturer copay programs that can help you cover costs.

Does GoodRx work at Walgreens?

It ended on August 31, 2024, but Walgreens continues to accept many other prescription discount cards including SingleCare, GoodRx and more. In addition, Walgreens Rx Savings Finder can help you find lower Rx prices at Walgreens.

How to get weight-loss medication if insurance doesn't cover it?

If your insurance doesn't cover weight-loss medications, there are other ways to save money on out-of-pocket costs.
  1. Use a GoodRx coupon. GoodRx has coupons for a variety of weight-loss medications. ...
  2. Use a manufacturer copay card. ...
  3. Use your HSA or FSA.

Is it better to use insurance or GoodRx?

In many cases, GoodRx prices actually beat insurance prices (a copay or coinsurance charge). The good news is you can use GoodRx instead of insurance. Here's a guide to making the right call. Why GoodRx?

What may be required if a physician prescribes a medication that is not on the insurance company's formulary?

If you need a drug that is not on your health plan's formulary, you must get your health plan's approval or pay for the drug yourself. Your doctor should ask your health plan for approval. In certain cases, a health plan may be required to cover a drug that is not on your health plan's formulary.

What is the penalty for not having prescription coverage?

The Part D late enrollment penalty is calculated by multiplying 1% times the “national base beneficiary premium” ($36.78 in 2025) times the number of full, uncovered months you were eligible to join Medicare drug coverage but didn't (and didn't have other creditable prescription drug coverage).

Why do pharmacists deny prescriptions?

Legitimate refusal: A pharmacist can refuse to fill a valid/on-time prescription for a controlled substance if doing so would harm the patient, such as when the patient is allergic to the medication, the medication would adversely interact with other medications that the patient is taking, or the prescribed dose is ...

Can Walgreens refuse to fill a prescription?

According to the GFD Policy, Walgreens pharmacists will also notify the US Drug Enforcement Administration that your prescription has been refused, and the pharmacy must maintain detailed documentation to justify the reason.

Can I refill my prescription without insurance?

If you find yourself uninsured or underinsured (meaning not all your medications are covered) you can always fill your prescriptions at any pharmacy and pay cash or use a discount drug card to help reduce your prescription medication costs.

Can a pharmacy red flag you?

Pharmacists must be alert for “red flags”

The patient presents prescriptions written for other people. Multiple patients appear simultaneously, or within a short time, all presenting similar prescriptions from the same physician.