Pharmacies Cutting Hours: Switch to Online?
Pharmacies like CVS and Walmart are slashing hours due to staffing woes. Discover why and if online pharmacies can save your time and money.
With Pharmacies Cutting Hours, Should You Fill Meds Online?
Major pharmacy chains across the U.S., including CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens, are significantly reducing their operating hours due to persistent staffing shortages. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, affects millions of customers who rely on timely prescription access. While chains cite improved work-life balance for employees and better service during peak times, the changes create challenges for patients, especially those with inflexible schedules or in underserved areas. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the reasons behind the cuts, their real-world impacts, practical adaptation strategies, and whether switching to online pharmacies could be your best move for saving time and money.
Why Are Pharmacies Cutting Hours?
The pharmacy industry is grappling with a severe labor shortage that has forced major retailers to scale back operations. Pharmacists and technicians, once in surplus before the pandemic, became overwhelmed as chains ramped up hiring for COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021. This surge led to burnout, with many professionals leaving the field amid high stress and demanding workloads.
CVS, the largest U.S. pharmacy chain by revenue with around 9,000 locations, announced adjustments affecting two-thirds of its pharmacies starting in spring. The goal? Align hours with peak customer demand to ensure teams are available when most needed. A CVS spokesperson emphasized that if one location closes early, patients can visit nearby open stores for urgent needs.
Walmart followed suit, standardizing pharmacy hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday—two hours earlier than before. The retailer, which raised pay for over 36,000 technicians to an average of more than $20 per hour, based the change on employee and customer feedback to enhance work-life balance and service quality.
Walgreens, the second-largest chain, has also adjusted hours over the past year but reports improvement after hiring thousands of pharmacists and boosting pay. Positive staffing trends are allowing more stores to return to normal operations.
Experts like Dima Qato, associate professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern California, note that reduced hours feel like closures for many, particularly low-income patients who can’t visit during limited windows. Overwhelmed pharmacists lead to further turnover, perpetuating the cycle.
Which Chains Are Affected and What Are the New Hours?
Here’s a breakdown of the major players implementing hour reductions:
- CVS: Two-thirds of 9,000 pharmacies adjusting hours in March to focus on peak times. Exact new schedules vary by location, but emphasis is on high-demand periods.
- Walmart: Nationwide pharmacies now 9 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays (previously until 9 p.m.). Weekends may vary.
- Walgreens: Select stores with reduced hours due to staffing; hiring and pay raises are stabilizing operations.
- Rite Aid and others: Similar cuts reported amid national labor shortages, exacerbating access issues.
These changes aren’t uniform—check your local store via apps or websites for specifics. The trend reflects a post-pandemic reality where pre-2021 surpluses flipped to deficits after vaccine rollouts spiked demand.
How Do Hour Cuts Impact Customers?
Shorter hours disrupt routines, especially for working professionals, parents, and those without flexible schedules. Dima Qato compares it to a full closure for after-5 p.m. customers, hindering prescription access in “pharmacy deserts”—areas with limited options.
Low-income and rural patients face heightened risks, as closures compound with store shutdowns. Burnout stories abound: pharmacists handling excessive workloads lead to errors, delays, and frustration. During peaks, wait times stretch, and urgent needs like antibiotics or insulin go unmet outside new windows.
Positive spins from chains include better service quality and rested staff, but customers report inconvenience. Walmart’s feedback-driven model aims to match hours to demand, yet many still scramble.
Tips to Navigate Reduced Pharmacy Hours
Don’t let cuts derail your medication routine. Here are actionable strategies:
- Plan Ahead: Refill prescriptions early via apps. Use auto-refill features to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Check Hours Daily: Apps from CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens show real-time availability and nearby alternatives.
- Opt for 90-Day Supplies: Many insurance plans cover three-month fills, reducing trips. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Explore Drive-Thru or Curbside: Available at most chains for contactless pickup during open hours.
- Mail-Order Options: Insurance often mandates or incentivizes this for maintenance meds—cheaper and delivered.
- Local Independents: Smaller pharmacies may have extended hours; use tools like GoodRx to compare.
| Strategy | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-Day Fills | Fewer visits, cost savings | Upfront cost higher | Chronic meds |
| Drive-Thru | Quick, no parking hassle | Weather-dependent | Busy days |
| App Alerts | Real-time updates | Requires smartphone | All users |
Should You Switch to Online Pharmacies?
With brick-and-mortar limitations, online pharmacies offer a compelling alternative. They provide 24/7 access, home delivery, and often lower prices via discount cards. Here’s why they shine:
- Convenience: Order anytime; meds arrive in days. No lines or hour worries.
- Savings: Platforms like GoodRx coupon up to 80% off; Amazon Pharmacy and Cost Plus Drugs transparent pricing.
- Transfer Easy: Most accept faxes or e-transfers from your doctor.
Top Online Pharmacy Options
| Service | Key Features | Pricing | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodRx | Discount cards, price comparison | Up to 80% off | Varies by pharmacy |
| Amazon Pharmacy | Prime savings, auto-refill | Transparent + discounts | Free 2-day for Prime |
| Cost Plus Drugs | Mark-up free, nationwide | 15% max + fees | $5–$75 based on speed |
| Mark Cuban Cost Plus | RxSavings (Walmart-integrated) | Low copays | Free over $99 |
| Costco Mail Order | Membership perks | Competitive | Free shipping |
GoodRx doesn’t dispense but partners with 70,000+ pharmacies for instant coupons—print or app-scan at pickup. Amazon Pharmacy integrates with Prime for seamless Rx management. Cost Plus Drugs, founded by Mark Cuban, cuts middlemen for radical transparency.
Pros: Cost, ease, privacy. Cons: Wait for delivery (2–7 days), not ideal for urgent needs. Always verify legitimacy via NABP (vippspharmacy.org).
FAQs
Why are CVS and Walmart cutting pharmacy hours?
Staffing shortages post-COVID, burnout, and to improve work-life balance and peak-hour service.
Will my local pharmacy hours change?
Check store apps/websites; CVS affects ~6,000 locations, Walmart nationwide weekdays.
Are online pharmacies safe and cheaper?
Yes, accredited ones like Amazon and GoodRx offer savings and security; compare prices first.
Can I get same-day delivery online?
Limited; services like Capsule or Alto in select cities offer it, but standard is 2+ days.
What if I need meds after hours?
Use 24/7 ERs, urgent cares, or transfer to always-open independents/online for futures.
Final Thoughts on Adapting to Pharmacy Changes
Pharmacy hour cuts signal a new era of focused service amid labor realities. By planning ahead, leveraging tech, and considering online shifts, you can maintain access without hassle. Start with GoodRx for quick wins—download today and compare your next fill. Stay proactive to protect your health and wallet in this evolving landscape.
References
- CVS, Walmart and Walgreens to reduce pharmacy hours as staffing shortages persist — CBS News. 2023-02-28. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pharmacy-opening-hours-cvs-walmart-walgreens-staffing-shortage/
- Pharmacies are cutting hours and closing stores. What it means for customers — USC Price School/MPH. 2022-12-15. https://sites.usc.edu/pmph/2022/12/15/pharmacies-are-cutting-hours-and-closing-stores-what-it-means-for-customers/
- Major pharmacies to cut hours due to worker shortage — The National Desk. 2023. https://thenationaldesk.com/top-videos/major-pharmacies-to-cut-hours-due-to-worker-shortage-prescription-cvs-walmart-walgreens-prescription-drug-drugs-university-college-student-cincinnatti-kelly-epplen-dean-admissions-student-affairs-covid-pandemic
- With Pharmacies Cutting Hours, Should You Fill Meds Online? — The Penny Hoarder. 2023. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/pharmacies-cutting-hours/
- Retail Pharmacy Cutting Hours Amid Pharmacist Shortage — Progressive Grocer. 2023. https://progressivegrocer.com/retail-pharmacy-cutting-hours-amid-pharmacist-shortage
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