Publix joins prescription delivery trend as pandemic continues
Publix is the latest retailer to offer home delivery of prescription medication in the midst of COVID-19.
Publix Pharmacy and prescription delivery platform ScriptDrop are collaborating to offer home delivery of prescriptions within a five-mile radius of each in-store pharmacy location for a $5 delivery fee. Customers who receive a text message when prescriptions are ready will receive a link to prepay for their prescriptions and choose delivery.
Prescriptions are delivered weekdays after 2 p.m. To receive same-day delivery, orders must be placed before 11 a.m. Orders placed after 11 a.m. will be delivered the following weekday. If an order is placed after 11 a.m. Friday, the customer will receive the order on Monday.
There are no limits on the number of prescriptions ordered for delivery. However, age-restricted products, controlled substances and prescriptions needing refrigeration are excluded. Although the service is being introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, Publix plans to continue prescription delivery beyond the crisis. To locate a pharmacy, request refills or sign up for text notifications, customers can visit the Publix website or Publix pharmacy app.
“As a health care provider, Publix Pharmacy has adopted business practices that support the social distancing guidance provided by the CDC,” said Publix VP of pharmacy Dain Rusk. “We believe this service provides a convenient option for customers who are age 65 and over, have compromised immune systems or require medications but are limiting trips outside their homes.”
“Being a Tennessean myself, I’ve seen the critical role Publix plays in serving the community, especially in times of crisis,” said ScriptDrop CEO Nick Potts. “I am excited for ScriptDrop to be a part of that effort through helping deliver prescriptions to Publix customers.”
Several other drugstore retailers have launched or expanded prescription delivery since the COVID-19 pandemic began restricting daily life in the U.S. in mid-March. Rite Aid has waived delivery fees for eligible prescriptions, while Costco has rolled out national same-day prescription delivery and CVS and UPS are delivering prescriptions via drone to the nation’s largest retirement community.
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 220,000 associates, currently operates 1,242 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.