In an effort to partner and support Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s request of residents to remain in their homes wherever possible and practice social distancing, the Community Pharmacy Association of New York State announced that its members will offer free home medication delivery (in-person delivery, courier service or by US mail, UPS, Fedex etc.) for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

“The Community Pharmacy Association of New York State and its chain pharmacy members are pleased to assist with Governor Cuomo’s request to offer free home medication delivery for patients across the State,” said Mike Duteau RPh, President of CPANYS. “This means that a majority of the State’s pharmacies will be offering this important service in every county and geographic region, along with curbside access and drive thru where possible to help prevent the need for individuals to enter stores. We applaud Governor Cuomo’s strong leadership during this pandemic and are proud to partner with him to keep New Yorkers safe.”

The following members locally will be offering free home delivery: Rite Aid Corp., Tops Markets, Walmart, Walgreens and Wegmans Food Markets.

In order to maximize patient access to these critical services, the association urges that all Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Insurance Plans — public and private — allow for all forms of home delivery services regardless of method used by removing any existing contractual restrictions or barriers during the pandemic period.

Importantly, there are some medications that may not be eligible for home delivery services for some pharmacies such as controlled substances or medications that requiring special handling. For more information, New Yorkers can check out the pharmacy websites or contact their pharmacies for program details.

The Community Pharmacy Association of New York State represents pharmacies of all types and sizes throughout the state. Its members serve patients in nearly every county across New York. The mission of the Association and its pharmacy members is to protect patient access to essential medications and other pharmacy care needs and to strengthen the role that pharmacists can play in improving patient health outcomes while preventing the need for more costly care. CPANYS can be reached at 518-465-7330.