America’s top retailers are bringing the pharmacy to your front door — fast. Both Amazon and Walmart are rolling out nationwide expansions of their same-day prescription delivery services, joining a wave of companies aiming to get medication to customers within hours.
The move reflects changing consumer behavior in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with rising demand for speed, convenience, and digital healthcare solutions. Companies like CVS, Walgreens, Instacart, and DoorDash have also jumped on the trend, offering quicker prescription drop-offs in response to growing competition and drugstore closures.
Why It’s Happening Now
More Americans are turning to telemedicine and subscription-based care, opting for home deliveries over traditional in-person visits. However, analysts say this shift may hit roadblocks due to the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system — especially when insurance coverage and drug pricing clash with convenience.
“It takes a lot to change people’s behavior when it comes to their health care,” said Arielle Trzcinski, principal analyst at consulting firm Forrester.
A Growing Delivery Race
While independent pharmacies have long offered local same-day services for vulnerable or post-surgery patients, retail giants are scaling up:
- CVS Health began its service in 2017 and delivered over 4 million prescriptions this way in 2023.
- Walgreens offers nationwide delivery, including 2-hour delivery in hundreds of locations.
- Instacart, which entered the space during the pandemic via Costco, has since teamed with Wegmans and Publix.
Amazon and Walmart Lead the Charge
Amazon plans to offer same-day prescription deliveries to nearly half of U.S. customers by year’s end. The company is adding 20 micro-pharmacies near distribution centers and has already opened 10 prescription processing facilities to boost delivery speeds.
“We’re building a modern pharmacy — what we like to think of as a pharmacy in your pocket,” said Hannah McClellan, VP of Amazon Pharmacy.
McClellan emphasized not only rapid delivery but also 24/7 access to pharmacists for customers.
Walmart launched its same-day service in six states last fall and recently expanded to 49 states, excluding North Dakota, where it has no pharmacies. Customers can have medications delivered alongside groceries or other items.
“Prescription delivery was the number one request from our customers,” said Kevin Host, Walmart’s SVP of pharmacy. “This is just elevating that level of convenience.”
Fast Medication, Faster Treatment
These services are especially helpful for patients needing antibiotics or COVID-19 antivirals right after a telehealth appointment. McClellan said Amazon customers who receive medications quickly are more likely to follow through with treatment — a major win for health outcomes.
But Cost Still Matters
Despite the promise of convenience, analysts caution that cost remains king. Delivery fees and insurance complications may limit the appeal of rapid service — especially for customers managing long-term conditions with maintenance medications.
“The practical implications of these kinds of programs will be very muted,” said Andrew Mulcahy, senior health economist at RAND Corp.
Some insurers restrict coverage to specific pharmacies, meaning a switch to delivery might not be financially worthwhile.
Not Everyone’s Ready to Switch
For many, in-person pharmacy visits still provide essential human connection, reassurance, and services like blood pressure checks or consults.
Don Watson, a 72-year-old from Indianapolis, said he might consider delivery — “maybe 10 years from now when I’m not able to do it myself.”
“Sometimes the wait can be a little long… that’s my only gripe,” he added while leaving a Walgreens.
The Road Ahead
Amazon says it’s doubling down on delivery in 2024 with plans to continue scaling in years ahead. As digital convenience becomes the norm, America’s pharmacy experience is shifting — but for many, the balance between cost, coverage, and comfort still drives their decision.
