Yes, Walgreens accepts Medicaid at most locations, but your coverage depends on your state plan and which pharmacy network your plan uses
Walgreens is an in-network pharmacy for many state Medicaid programs, meaning your plan will cover prescriptions you fill there. However, not every Walgreens location participates in every state's Medicaid program, and some state plans contract with pharmacy networks that may exclude certain stores. Before you fill a prescription, you need to know whether your specific Medicaid plan covers Walgreens in your area.
The fastest way to confirm is to call the pharmacy directly with your Medicaid card in hand, or to log into your state Medicaid portal and search the pharmacy locator. Your state Medicaid program's website or the customer service number on your card can also tell you which pharmacies are in your network.
Key Takeaways
- Walgreens participates in most state Medicaid programs, but participation varies by state and sometimes by individual store location.
- Your Medicaid card lists the pharmacy network your plan uses, and you should call that network or your state program to confirm your local Walgreens is included.
- If your Medicaid plan does not cover your local Walgreens, you can fill prescriptions at an in-network pharmacy instead, or ask your doctor to send it to a covered location.
- Some Medicaid plans cover over-the-counter items at Walgreens, but most cover only prescription medications, and coverage rules vary by state.
How to check if your Walgreens is in your Medicaid network
Your Medicaid card or the paperwork you received when you enrolled lists the name of your pharmacy network or plan. Call the customer service number on your card and ask whether Walgreens participates in your plan. Have your store location or ZIP code ready, because some networks cover Walgreens in one area but not another.
You can also visit your state Medicaid program's website and use the pharmacy locator tool. Most state programs have a searchable map where you enter your address or ZIP code and see which pharmacies are in your network. If you cannot find the locator online, call your state Medicaid office directly — the number is on your card or on your state's Medicaid website.
Walgreens itself can also tell you whether they accept your specific Medicaid plan. Call the store's pharmacy department and give them your plan name and member ID. They can look it up in their system in seconds.
What happens if your Walgreens is not in your network
If your local Walgreens does not participate in your Medicaid plan, you have two main options. First, you can fill your prescription at an in-network pharmacy instead — CVS, Rite Aid, independent pharmacies, and mail-order pharmacies may be covered depending on your plan. Your state Medicaid program's locator will show you which pharmacies near you are in your network.
Second, you can ask your doctor or nurse to send your prescription to a Walgreens location that does participate in your plan, even if it is farther away. Some people do this if they prefer Walgreens or if the in-network pharmacy is inconvenient. You can also ask your doctor to send it to a mail-order pharmacy covered by your plan, which delivers to your home.
If you have already filled a prescription at an out-of-network Walgreens and paid out of pocket, some state Medicaid programs will reimburse you if you submit a claim. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask about their reimbursement process.
Medicaid coverage for prescriptions at Walgreens
Medicaid covers most prescription medications at Walgreens, but your plan may require you to pay a small copay — usually between $1 and $5 per prescription, though some state plans have no copay. Your Medicaid card or plan documents will tell you what your copay is, if you have one.
Some medications require prior authorization, which means your doctor must get approval from your Medicaid plan before the pharmacy can fill it. If your prescription needs prior authorization, the pharmacy will tell you, and your doctor's office can request it. This usually takes one to two business days.
Your plan may also have a formulary — a list of covered medications. If your doctor prescribes a medication that is not on your formulary, your plan may not cover it, or it may cover a similar medication instead. The pharmacy can tell you whether your prescription is covered before you fill it.
Over-the-counter items and other services at Walgreens
Most Medicaid plans do not cover over-the-counter items like pain relievers, cold medicine, or vitamins at Walgreens, even though Walgreens sells them. You pay out of pocket for these items. However, some state Medicaid programs do cover certain over-the-counter medications — usually only if your doctor writes a prescription for them, and only for specific items like nicotine patches or diabetic supplies.
Walgreens also offers services like flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and other immunizations. Many Medicaid plans cover these vaccines at no cost when you get them at an in-network pharmacy like Walgreens. Ask the pharmacy whether your Medicaid plan covers the vaccine you need.
What to bring to Walgreens when you fill a prescription
Bring your Medicaid card and a photo ID. The pharmacy will scan your card to verify your coverage and check your copay. If you do not have your card with you, give the pharmacy your member ID number (it is on your card) and your date of birth. They can usually look up your information that way.
If your prescription requires prior authorization and your doctor has not submitted it yet, tell the pharmacy staff. They can contact your doctor's office on your behalf to request it, or they can tell you to have your doctor call them directly. Do not leave the pharmacy without knowing whether your prescription will be covered — ask before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicaid card at any Walgreens?
Not necessarily. While Walgreens participates in most state Medicaid programs, some individual store locations may not be in your specific plan's network. Use your state Medicaid program's pharmacy locator or call the store's pharmacy to confirm your local Walgreens is covered before you go.
What if I fill a prescription at Walgreens and my Medicaid does not cover it?
The pharmacy will tell you before you pay whether your plan covers the prescription. If it does not cover it, you can ask the pharmacist whether a similar medication on your formulary is available, or you can ask your doctor to prescribe something your plan does cover. You can also pay out of pocket if you choose to.
Does Walgreens accept all types of Medicaid, including managed care plans?
Walgreens works with most Medicaid managed care plans, but not all. Your specific plan determines which pharmacies you can use. Call the customer service number on your Medicaid card to confirm your plan's pharmacy network includes Walgreens.
Can I transfer a prescription from another pharmacy to Walgreens?
Yes. Call or visit your current pharmacy and ask them to transfer your prescription to Walgreens. They will send it electronically, and Walgreens will have it ready within a few hours. Make sure the Walgreens location you choose is in your Medicaid network before you request the transfer.
Will I pay the same copay at Walgreens as at other pharmacies?
Your copay is set by your Medicaid plan, not by the pharmacy, so you should pay the same copay at Walgreens as at any other in-network pharmacy. However, if you use an out-of-network pharmacy, you may pay more or the full cost of the prescription.