CVS Health has announced free home delivery of medications for patients in an effort to make access to prescription drugs safer and easier during the coronavirus outbreak.
“Being committed to the welfare of those we serve means being responsive to evolving needs and acting swiftly. This is particularly true in times of uncertainty,” Troyen Brennan, executive vice president and chief medical officer of CVS Health said in a statement.
CVS Health’s move to waive home delivery charges comes as the CDC recommends that those within communities where the coronavirus is spreading try to avoid contact with other people. This is most important for those who are more vulnerable to the disease.
This higher-risk population includes older/elderly people, as well as anyone who has chronic lung disease, heart disease or diabetes. These conditions leave people more susceptible to getting sick, including contracting COVID-19.
Recently, CVS Health also announced that COVID-19 diagnostic testing and all telemedicine visits would be available with no co-pay. Now, Aetna, a CVS Health company, is offering 90-day maintenance medication prescriptions for insured and Medicare members. And for anyone who has CVS Caremark pharmacy benefits, Aetna will waive early refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications.
Brennan said that CVS Health will continue to monitor COVID-19 information via the CDC and other health experts to keep patients and customers as safe and informed as possible.
Meanwhile, some delivery services are starting to offer no-contact delivery options in an effort to protect homebound customers who wish to avoid contact with anyone — including delivery workers. Postmates recently rolled out three “Dropoff Options” for customers to choose from when placing an order: meet the customer outside, leave the delivery at the door or come to the door with the delivery.
This way, both customers and delivery workers can avoid physical contact — a precaution that may help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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