It is easiest (although may be a further distance) to find the nearest pharmacy within the same organization that you usually fill prescriptions at, as there would be no transfer of prescriptions needed. If this isn’t an option, use the resources below to identify nearest pharmacies outside of the usual company you use, and ask for details on transferring your prescriptions. You may need to contact your primary care provider to re-write prescriptions to provide to the new pharmacy. This is especially true for any controlled medications. Also, many pharmacies have free delivery services already set-up so make sure to check their website.
Rx Open
Rx Open is a free website that can help you find nearby open pharmacies in areas impacted by disaster, and is updated at least daily. Just go to rxopen.org and enter your home address.
American Red Cross Hotline
If you have non-emergent needs, the American Red Cross’s disaster health services team can also help you find open pharmacies and assist in prescription transfers. You can call the American Red Cross Hotline at 872-529-1784 Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. Any voicemails from the weekend will be promptly followed up with. Voicemail is available in both English & Spanish.
Have health insurance?
If you have health insurance, look for the prescription benefits number on your insurance card that may be able to further assist in finding a pharmacy close and in network, and/or visiting your health insurance’s company website.
Prescription Needs
- Walgreens:
- Find the latest store status information on the Walgreens Store Locator.
- Phones lines of closed pharmacy stores are being redirected to a nearby store that is open to assist your needs.
- Delivery fees on edible prescriptions may be waved.
- CVS (including the pharmacies inside of Targets):
- For the latest updates, visit cvs.com.
- Phones and faxes at temporarily closed CVS pharmacy stores are being forwarded to open locations.
- Free delivery of medications is available
- CVS Health customer service line: (800) 746-7287
In addition to the major chain pharmacies in Chicago (Walgreens, CVS (includes Targets), Jewel-Osco, Marianos, Walmart, Costco, etc), we encourage you to seek out your local independent pharmacy, if open and available. Additionally, many Chicago hospitals (both large and small) have outpatient pharmacies available to take on additional volumes of prescriptions.
Mail order pharmacies
- Capsule: https://capsule.com/chicago
- PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy: https://www.pillpack.com/
- OptumRx: https://www.optumrx.com/public/landing
- HoneyBee Online Pharmacy: https://honeybeehealth.com/
- Express Scripts: https://www.express-scripts.com/
Note: Most mail order pharmacies operate through your insurer’s pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM. If you use a mail order service that doesn’t have an agreement with your insurer’s PBM, you may not receive coverage from your health plan.
CHI 311
Have additional questions or other pharmacy access issues? Go to 311.chicago.gov, download CHI311 mobile app or call 3-1-1 to submit a request.
Additional Resources
- 200 Pharmacy is offering free Uber rides to seniors filling certain prescriptions: 200pharmacy.com
- The Chicago Rx Card is a free and easy way to save up to 80% on prescription drugs at more than 59,000 pharmacies across the country including Rite Aid, Kroger, Osco, CVS, Walmart, Walgreens and many more. No registration or prequalification needed. The card is free, pre-activated and can be used immediately! The Chicago Rx card can be used by individuals and family members regardless of a person’s health, age, immigration status, or income, and there are no limits on how many times it can be used. Find out more at chicagorxcard.com.