An independent pharmacy in NYC gives you what a busy chain counter usually can’t: a pharmacist who knows you, someone who follows up on insurance problems for you, and time to answer your questions. Your copay is set by your insurance plan, so in most cases switching costs you nothing extra. Here are five reasons New Yorkers switch, and how to do it.
1. A pharmacist who knows you
At a high-volume chain you often see a different face at every visit, and a question can mean a phone tree and a long hold. At an independent pharmacy you see the same pharmacist, who knows your medication list and your history. At Mega Health Rx, patients can also text their pharmacist directly instead of calling and waiting.
2. Someone handles insurance problems for you
When a claim is rejected or a medication needs prior authorization, a busy counter often hands the problem back to you. An independent pharmacist is more likely to call your doctor’s office and your insurer and follow up until it’s resolved. We also contact your doctor for renewals before you run out. For more, see what to do when a prescription needs prior authorization.
3. A real review of everything you take
If you take several medications, a pharmacist can sit down with you and review all of them, including vitamins and over-the-counter products, for interactions, duplicates and cheaper alternatives. This is called medication therapy management, and it’s easier to get from a pharmacist who already knows your list. Read about our pharmacist medication review.
4. Free delivery anywhere in NYC
Many independent pharmacies deliver, and local delivery avoids the delays of mail order. Mega Health Rx delivers prescriptions free to all five boroughs, with no minimum order and no membership. Refills can be delivered on schedule so you don’t run out. See delivery across the five boroughs.
5. More services under one roof
Independent pharmacies often do more than fill prescriptions. At our Forest Hills store you can walk in for flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, RSV and Tdap vaccines, get a free blood pressure check, use your OTC benefit card, and take care of a DMV vision test, notary or money order in the same trip.
How to switch to an independent pharmacy
- Tell the new pharmacy where you fill now and which medications you take. You don’t need prescription numbers.
- The new pharmacy contacts your old one and your doctor if needed. You don’t have to call anyone.
- Choose delivery or pickup. Your next fill is timed so you don’t have a gap.
At Mega Health Rx this starts with our one-minute transfer form. For a full walkthrough, see switching pharmacies in NYC.
Frequently asked questions
Are independent pharmacies more expensive than chains?
Usually not. Your copay is set by your insurance plan, so it is typically the same at an in-network independent pharmacy as at a chain.
Do independent pharmacies accept Medicare and Medicaid?
Most do. Mega Health Rx accepts most commercial plans, most Medicare Part D plans and most Medicaid plans. Call us with your card to confirm yours.
Does Mega Health Rx deliver outside Queens?
Yes. Delivery is free to all five NYC boroughs, with no minimum order.
Can I text my pharmacist?
Yes. Once you fill with us, you can text your pharmacist directly.
Can I use my OTC benefit card at an independent pharmacy?
Many independent pharmacies accept OTC benefit cards. We accept the OTC Network card for eligible health items.
Switch in about a minute
Tell us your ZIP code, where you fill now, and what you take. We make every phone call from there. Free delivery anywhere in NYC.