Costco Pharmacy: Choice of Families And Costco Membership

Costco Pharmacy has grown into one of the most important and reliable health service providers in North America. Many people know Costco for bulk groceries and home goods, but its pharmacy division deserves just as much attention. Offering affordable prescriptions, immunizations, pet medications, mail-order delivery, and digital convenience, Costco Pharmacy has become a go-to choice for millions of families.

This guide provides a full breakdown of Costco Pharmacy—how it works, who can use it, ways to save money, what services are available, and where to find help. Everything is explained in simple language, with tips, examples, and tables so you can apply this information right away.

Accessibility: Who Can Use Costco Pharmacy

A common question is whether you need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy.

• In the United States, you do not need a membership to access prescription medications at Costco Pharmacy. By law, pharmacies must be open to the public, even if they are inside a membership-only store. You can simply tell the greeter you’re going to the pharmacy.
• In Canada, the rules are similar—non-members can use the pharmacy counter.
• However, a membership is required to buy over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements from Costco’s shelves.

More Reference: Access Rules

Group	Access to Prescriptions	Access to OTC Products	Notes
Costco Members	Yes	Yes	Members also qualify for CMPP discount program
Non-Members	Yes	No	Can fill prescriptions and get vaccines
Pets (via owners)	Yes (with vet script)	No	Pets can be added to member discount program (CMPP)

Benefits of Costco Pharmacy

The key reason Costco Pharmacy has grown in popularity is the affordability.

1. Competitive Pricing – Costco consistently offers lower prescription prices compared to many big chains like CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid.
2. Discount Program for Members (CMPP) – The Costco Member Prescription Program provides even deeper discounts for Costco members, their dependents, and pets.
3. Savings Stories – Customers often report saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year by transferring their prescriptions to Costco.

Example Savings

• A cholesterol drug costing $80 at a neighborhood pharmacy may be only $15–20 at Costco.
• A family with multiple maintenance medications might save $1,000 or more annually.

Why Costco Pharmacy Matters

Costco Pharmacy has become one of the most trusted places in North America for affordable prescriptions and health services. Many people know Costco as the warehouse store where you can buy groceries in bulk, but not everyone realizes that the pharmacy inside offers some of the lowest medication prices in the country.

Unlike many chain pharmacies that focus only on prescriptions, Costco Pharmacy combines competitive pricing, strong customer service, and helpful tools like mail-order refills and text updates. Whether you are a Costco member or not, you can access many of these services. This guide will explain everything you need to know in simple language.

Who Can Use Costco Pharmacy

Many people think you need a Costco membership card to use the pharmacy. That is only partly true.

The truth about access

• You do not need a membership for prescription medications in the United States.
• In Canada, rules are similar—anyone can use the pharmacy counter.
• Membership is only required if you want to buy over-the-counter medicines or supplements from the aisles.

Why this matters

This policy allows people without memberships to still benefit from low prescription costs. For example, someone without insurance can save money on diabetes or cholesterol medication at Costco Pharmacy even if they don’t shop for groceries there.

Quick list: Who can use Costco Pharmacy

• Members: Full access (prescriptions, OTC, discounts through CMPP).
• Non-members: Prescription services only (no membership card required).
• Pets: Eligible if owners are members and use the CMPP program.

Services Offered at Costco Pharmacy

Costco Pharmacy is more than just a prescription counter. It offers a wide range of services that make it stand out.

Main services

1. Prescription medications – new prescriptions, refills, and transfers.
2. Immunizations – flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, shingles, pneumonia, and more.
3. Mail-order prescriptions – home delivery for maintenance medications.
4. Locker pickup – in select locations, prescriptions are placed in secure lockers.
5. Specialty medications – treatment support for complex or chronic conditions.
6. Pet medications – affordable prescriptions for animals.
7. Medication counseling – speak directly to a licensed pharmacist.

Convenience and Ways to Access Services

Costco Pharmacy isn’t just a walk-up counter. It offers multiple channels for getting your prescriptions filled and managed.

Options for Customers

• In-Person Pickup: Fill prescriptions directly at the warehouse pharmacy.
• Online Orders: Manage refills and orders through Costco’s pharmacy portal.
• Mail-Order Service: Medications delivered to your home, usually free with standard shipping.
• Locker Pickup: Select locations allow you to collect prescriptions from secure lockers using a code sent via text or email.
• Delivery via Instacart: While Instacart delivers groceries and OTC items, prescriptions themselves are not included.

Table: Access Channels

Option	How It Works	Ideal For
In-Person Pickup	Go to the pharmacy counter in the store	One-time fills or urgent needs
Online Orders	Place refill orders via web or app	Regular users managing multiple meds
Mail-Order	Home delivery of 30–90 day supplies	Chronic conditions, seniors, families
Locker Pickup	Use code to open pharmacy locker	Busy customers, contactless pickup

Online Drug Directory

Costco offers an online Drug Directory, where you can look up medications alphabetically. It provides:

• Pricing information (member vs. non-member cash price).
• Dosage forms and strengths available.
• General details about the drug.

This tool is especially useful for comparing costs before deciding whether to use insurance or pay out-of-pocket.

Extra Services Beyond Prescriptions

Costco Pharmacy is not limited to dispensing medications.

Additional Services

1. Vaccinations – Flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, shingles, pneumonia, and others are available.
2. Health Screenings – Some locations offer blood pressure checks and wellness counseling.
3. Pet Prescriptions – Veterinary medications are available with a valid prescription from your vet.
4. Pharmacist Counseling – Licensed pharmacists can answer questions about side effects, drug interactions, or lifestyle tips.

Services at Costco Pharmacy

Service	Available to Non-Members?	Extra Notes
Prescription meds	Yes	Bring prescription and ID
Over-the-counter	No	Requires Costco membership
Vaccinations	Yes	Depends on state/province rules
Mail-order delivery	Yes (U.S. and Canada)	Insurance or cash options available
Pet meds	Yes (members save more)	Pets can be added to CMPP for discounts
Specialty meds	Yes	Requires referral or prescription from doctor

Pricing and Savings

Costco is known for low prices, and the pharmacy is no exception.

Why prices are lower

• Costco negotiates directly with drug suppliers.
• The company keeps profit margins thin to stay competitive.
• Cash prices at Costco often beat insurance copays at other pharmacies.

Programs to save more

1. Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP)
   • Free for Costco members.
   • Discounts on many medications.
   • Includes dependents and pets.
2. Generic medications
   • Usually the lowest cost option.
   • Costco often highlights the difference in cost between brand and generic.
3. Price comparisons
   • Customers often check both insurance copay and CMPP price to choose the cheaper option.

Example savings

• A customer paying $80 at a local chain pharmacy for cholesterol medication might pay $15–20 at Costco.
• Some Reddit users report saving thousands over several years by switching all family prescriptions to Costco Pharmacy.

How to Refill Prescriptions

Costco makes refilling simple.

Refill options

• Online: Enter warehouse number and prescription number on Costco’s website.
• Text: Reply with your prescription number to Costco’s text refill system.
• Phone: Call the pharmacy directly.
• In-person: Bring your bottle or prescription slip to the counter.

Step-by-step example

1. Receive a text alert: “Your prescription is ready for refill. Reply with Rx#.”
2. Reply with your Rx number.
3. Costco sends confirmation with pickup time.
4. At the warehouse, show ID at the counter.

Tips

• Sign up for text notifications so you don’t forget.
• Use 90-day supplies for long-term medications when possible.
• Ask your doctor to send electronic prescriptions directly to Costco for faster service.

Online Tools and Mobile Features

Costco Pharmacy has digital options that save time.

Main tools

1. Prescription status checker – See if your refill is ready without calling.
2. Mobile app – Manage refills, view prescription history, check pricing.
3. Text refill service – Quick replies to refill.
4. Locker pickup codes – For warehouses with secure lockers.

Digital tools at Costco Pharmacy

Tool	Benefit	Example use case
Status checker	Avoid waiting lines	Check online before driving to warehouse
App	All-in-one management	Manage multiple family members’ prescriptions
Text refill	Quickest option	Reply to message to confirm refill
Locker pickup	No counter wait	Retrieve meds after hours or when pharmacy is busy

Mail-Order and Home Delivery

For people with chronic conditions, mail-order is a game changer.

U.S. Mail Order

• Managed through rx.costco.com.
• Medications shipped via USPS or UPS.
• Usually free for standard delivery.

Canada Mail Order

• Managed through CostcoPharmacy.ca.
• Shipping is typically free.
• 2–5 business days after processing.

Benefits of mail order

• No waiting in line.
• Good for seniors or those with mobility issues.
• Often cheaper for 90-day supplies.

Vaccines and Preventive Care

Costco Pharmacies provide many immunizations.

Common vaccines available

• Flu shot (seasonal).
• COVID-19 vaccine.
• Shingles vaccine.
• Pneumonia vaccine.
• Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis).
• Travel vaccines (varies by location).

Tips

• Book online for convenience.
• Age restrictions apply (check with local laws).
• Many vaccines are covered by insurance.

Specialty Medications and Chronic Care

Specialty medications are usually expensive and require more support. Costco offers:

• Dedicated Specialty Services in Corona, CA.
• Phone line with pharmacists available for questions.
• Help with insurance paperwork and prior authorizations.
• 24/7 clinical pharmacist on call for urgent cases.

Costco Pharmacy for Pets

Yes, pets can benefit too.

How it works

• Many human medications are also used in veterinary care.
• Costco Pharmacy fills prescriptions from veterinarians.
• Members can add pets to CMPP for discounts.

Example

A dog needing thyroid medication could get a refill at Costco for less than half the cost of a vet’s in-house pharmacy.

Privacy, Safety, and Regulations

Costco follows strict health privacy laws.

Privacy practices

• Protected under HIPAA in the U.S.
• Patients can contact Costco’s Privacy Officer in Issaquah, WA, for concerns.
• Written notices available at every pharmacy.

Medication safety

• Licensed pharmacists review all prescriptions.
• Automated systems check for interactions.
• Disposal: Many Costco Pharmacies participate in medication mail-back programs.

Locations, Hours, and Contact Info

Costco Pharmacies are inside Costco warehouses across the U.S. and Canada.

Typical hours

• Weekdays: 9:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed in most locations.

Example locations

• Seattle, WA: 4401 4th Ave S, Pharmacy phone (206) 682-6244
• Brooklyn, NY: 976 3rd Ave, Pharmacy phone (718) 965-7616
• Toronto, ON: Vaughan warehouse, 587 Hanlan Rd, Pharmacy phone (905) 418-1149

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Costco Pharmacy

1. Always compare insurance copay vs. Costco cash price.
2. Ask about 90-day fills for long-term meds.
3. Use text refill service to save time.
4. Schedule vaccines ahead during flu season.
5. Add pets to CMPP if you’re a member.

Governance, Rules, and Legal Matters

Like any major pharmacy provider, Costco has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past.

• In 2016, Costco paid fines related to improper Medicare/Medicaid claims.
• In 2017, there were penalties for lapses in controlled substance oversight.
• In Ontario, Canada, Costco was fined over $7 million in 2019 for accepting kickbacks from a generic drug manufacturer.

Despite these incidents, Costco has maintained its reputation by improving compliance and strengthening oversight.

Hours and Locations

Pharmacy hours generally follow warehouse hours but may differ slightly.

Typical Hours

• Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed in most locations.
• Many locations close for a short pharmacist lunch break around 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Example Locations

City	Address	Pharmacy Phone	Hours Example
Seattle, WA	4401 4th Ave S, 98134	(206) 682-6244	Mon–Fri 9–8:30, Sat 9–7
Brooklyn, NY	976 3rd Ave, 11232	(718) 965-7616	Mon–Fri 9–7, Sat 9–6
Marina del Rey, CA	13463 Washington Blvd, 90292	(310) 754-2002	Mon–Fri 9–8:30, Sat 9–7
Chicago, IL	2746 N Clybourn Ave, 60614	varies	Check local listing
Miami, FL	13450 SW 120th St, 33186	varies	Check local listing

Discounts and Pricing Programs

Costco offers several ways to reduce prescription costs.

Key Programs

1. CMPP (Costco Member Prescription Program)
   • Free for members.
   • Discounts on many common medications.
   • Can include dependents and pets.
2. Generic Medications
   • Encouraged as first-line option.
   • Often priced significantly lower.
3. Third-Party Discounts
   • Costco accepts GoodRx coupons in the U.S.

Flu Shots and Other Vaccinations

Costco makes preventive care easy.

Available Vaccines

• Seasonal flu (standard and senior doses).
• COVID-19 boosters.
• Shingles (Shingrix).
• Pneumonia vaccines.
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis).
• RSV (seasonal availability).

Tip: Book online to secure your spot, especially during flu season.

Specialty Medications

For conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, Costco has Specialty Services.

• Specialty Pharmacy located in Corona, CA.
• Phone: 866-443-0060.
• Provides prior authorization support, insurance navigation, and direct pharmacist consultation.
• 24/7 on-call pharmacists available for urgent questions.

Refills, Returns, and Reminders

• Refills: Online, text, phone, or in-person.
• Text Notifications: Reply with prescription number to confirm refill.
• Returns: By law, dispensed medications cannot be returned, but call your pharmacist if there’s a problem.

Real Customer Stories

• A retiree saved over $3,000 per year by switching blood pressure medications to Costco’s cash price.
• A mother of three uses Costco’s mail order to keep track of her family’s asthma inhalers without missing doses.
• A non-member reported that she walked in with her prescription and paid less than her local chain pharmacy with insurance.

Conclusion

Costco Pharmacy is built on affordability and accessibility. With or without a membership, you can benefit from competitive pricing, strong digital tools, mail-order services, and caring pharmacists. For many families, the savings alone justify visiting Costco just for the pharmacy.