by Nicholas A. Hamner, Esq.
Investment Advisor Representative
[email protected]
When Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy protection in May 2025, the company said it would close 75% of its stores. Now that we’re headed into July 2025, a lot of their stores have actually started to close and with them, their pharmacies.
Do you know what you’re supposed to do if your pharmacy closes? Medicare recipients, do you know what you’re supposed to do if your pharmacy closes? Read on.
Before Your Pharmacy Closes
You should receive some form of notice that your pharmacy is closing. An email, a text, a letter… maybe even just a sign stuck in front of the store. Once you have that notice, you should call in or go in to speak to someone in the pharmacy. Find out if your prescriptions have been automatically transferred to another local pharmacy.
- Request a “Dispense History” list from your current pharmacy with a list of all medicines you have received in the past year. They may require photo ID before giving you this list.
- Make sure you have enough medicine to last until your prescriptions are transferred. Folks with chronic health conditions that require daily medication? This is crucial.
Find A New Pharmacy
If you like the pharmacy your prescriptions were transferred to, your search is done. Nothing else to do. However, if you’re not happy with who took on your prescriptions, it’s your duty to find a new one.
If you are on Medicare and have a Part D drug plan, you may want to check with your provider for “preferred” pharmacies near you. These preferred pharmacies may offer discounts and overall lower prices through arrangements with your Part D provider. You can find their information on the back of your prescription card. Be warned, you should expect to spend some time on the phone!
Luckily, most national pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc.) are preferred for most Part D plans.
Notify All Parties Of Your New Pharmacy
Once you’ve selected a new pharmacy, inform your old one (if they’re still open) and ensure they will transfer your prescriptions to your new pharmacy. Otherwise, take your Dispense History to the new pharmacy.
Inform your doctors of your new pharmacy at each visit and ensure your prescriptions are transferred.
This sounds like a lot of work on your part—and it is!—but taking control and taking care now is the best way to make sure your health needs are considered properly going forward.
Review Your Part D Coverage
If you are on Medicare and have Part D coverage… or a prescription plan as part of your Medicare Advantage plan… you can also use this time to review your prescription coverage. Maybe it’s time to consider a new plan?
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15th to December 7th. That’s seven weeks to make any changes to your existing coverage, including enrollment in a different plan.
Any questions? Let us know!