Robert Besser
24 Apr 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.: More U.S. pharmacies are promising to get prescriptions to your doorstep faster than ever, with same-day delivery options expanding across the country.

However, even as giants like Amazon and Walmart scale up their services, questions remain about how widely consumers will embrace them.

Walmart has now rolled out same-day prescription delivery to nearly every state, while Amazon is adding small pharmacies near distribution hubs to expand its reach. Both companies say demand for faster service has grown, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is just elevating that level of convenience," said Kevin Host, senior vice president of Walmart Pharmacy. He said delivery was the number one request from customers when surveyed.

Amazon Pharmacy's Hannah McClellan said the company wants to build "a pharmacy in your pocket" with fast deliveries and 24/7 access to pharmacists. By the end of the year, Amazon expects to reach nearly half the U.S. population with same-day prescription deliveries.

CVS and Walgreens have also been expanding rapid delivery options. Walgreens can deliver in under two hours at some locations, and CVS Health reported over 4 million same-day deliveries in 2023. Grocery delivery services like Instacart have entered the market too, offering prescription drop-offs through partnerships with stores like Costco and Publix.

But the growth of fast prescription delivery faces real challenges.

Experts say convenience alone may not be enough to sway many consumers. "It takes a lot to change people's behavior when it comes to their health care," said Arielle Trzcinski of Forrester. She noted that fees, insurance coverage, and existing habits still weigh heavily in customer decisions.

RAND health economist Andrew Mulcahy said many patients already get recurring prescriptions delivered through insurance plans and are unlikely to switch. "The practical implications of these kinds of programs will be very muted," he said.

There's also the trust factor. Switching pharmacies may complicate insurance coverage, and not all drugs are easily delivered. Some people also value face-to-face interactions at their local pharmacy—especially for chronic care or questions.

For others, the appeal is still limited. "Maybe 10 years from now when I'm not able to do it myself," said 72-year-old Don Watson, as he left a Walgreens in Indianapolis. "Sometimes the wait can be a little long … that's my only gripe."