During the pandemic, “Free Prescription Delivery” became the standard. But as we move into 2026, the era of the $0 doorstep drop-off is quietly coming to an end. Major chains like CVS and Walgreens are facing massive “PBM Spread Pricing” bans (like California’s SB 41), which have slashed their profit margins on the drugs themselves. To make up the difference, they are shifting the cost of convenience directly to the consumer.
If you haven’t checked your pharmacy receipt lately, you might be surprised to find a “Service Fee” or “Logistics Surcharge” of $4.99 to $7.99 per order. Here is where the fees are hiding and how you can still get your medications delivered for free in 2026.
1. The CVS “Same-Day” Surcharge
CVS has officially tiered its delivery pricing for 2026. While they still offer a “1-2 Day” delivery option for a lower price (typically $4.99), their popular same-day service (delivered within hours) now carries a $7.99 delivery charge. Critically, Medicare Part D and Part B plans do not cover these delivery fees. If you are on a fixed income, an $8 fee every month adds nearly $100 a year to your healthcare costs—equivalent to two extra months of a Tier 1 generic co-pay.
2. Walgreens and the “FedEx” Shift
Walgreens has moved most of its delivery logistics to FedEx, with standard fees ranging from $5.99 to $9.95 depending on speed and location. While they occasionally waive this for “Walgreens Boots Alliance” members or on orders over $35, the default setting on their app now includes the fee. In 2026, “Same-Day” delivery from Walgreens is largely fee-based, and unless you hit a specific subtotal, you will pay for the convenience.
3. TRICARE and Veteran Delivery Wins
While the private sector is adding fees, there is a major win for military families. In 2026, TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (managed by Express Scripts) remains a $0 shipping option for standard orders. According to TRICARE 2026 Guidance, while co-payments for some brand-name drugs have risen slightly (e.g., from $38 to $44), the shipping cost itself is still free for 90-day supplies. This makes home delivery significantly cheaper than retail pickup for veterans this year.
4. The “Amazon/PillPack” Exception
Amazon Pharmacy and its “PillPack” service continue to be the biggest disruptors in 2026. Because their business model is built on logistics rather than retail foot traffic, they still offer $0 delivery for Amazon Prime members (typically 2-day). For “Same-Day” delivery, Prime members often get the first order of a new medication delivered for free, with subsequent same-day refills costing just $2.99—still less than half the price of the big-box competitors.
How to Get to $0
You don’t have to pay to have your life-saving meds delivered. In 2026, use these three strategies to wipe out the fees:
- Switch to 90-Day Supplies: Most insurance plans and mail-order pharmacies (like Caremark or Express Scripts) offer free shipping if you agree to a 90-day maintenance supply. This reduces the number of “logistics events” and usually saves you one month’s co-pay as well.
- Use “Plus” Memberships: If you use CVS or Walgreens frequently, check if their paid membership programs (like CarePass or myWalgreens) waive the delivery fees. If you get more than one delivery a month, the membership often pays for itself.
- Go Local: Many small, independent pharmacies still offer free local delivery to seniors as a way to compete with the giants. Check your local “Mom and Pop” shop—they might be the last $0 delivery option in your ZIP code.
Have you noticed a new fee on your pharmacy app this week? Leave a comment below and let us know which chain is “quietly” charging you for delivery!
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