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What to expect with CVS Specialty®
We know starting a specialty medication can feel like a lot, and we’re here to help. As your specialty pharmacy, we’ll keep you informed from prescription to delivery so you understand the specialty medication process every step of the way.
Everything you need to get started
Whether you're new to CVS Specialty or just want to know what happens next, we’ll help you understand the steps to start specialty treatment. Explore our What to Expect Guide and resources below, including our new patient specialty pharmacy FAQs to find answers to common questions.
Explore new patient materials
If you’re starting a specialty medication, here are some resources to help you understand the specialty medication process.
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What is a specialty pharmacy?
Learn what a specialty pharmacy is, how it differs from retail pharmacies and why your medication is filled through CVS Specialty.
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Prior authorization basics
Learn how prior authorization and reauthorization for specialty medications are designed to make sure your treatment fits with your coverage.
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Understanding your insurance plan
Make sense of your insurance plan benefits for specialty medications.
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Financial assistance overview
Discover third-party financial assistance programs that may help you manage specialty medication expenses.
New patient specialty FAQs
Why CVS Specialty?
Your insurance plan chooses which specialty pharmacies are in network. CVS Specialty may be listed as a preferred — or sometimes required — pharmacy based on your plan’s contract network.
If your plan has chosen CVS Specialty as your exclusive specialty pharmacy, you'll need to fill your specialty medications with us to be covered by your plan. You can call the number on your member ID card to find out if other specialty pharmacies are included in your pharmacy network.
Prescriber coordination & prescription requests
CVS Specialty will contact your prescriber for you. We do our best to coordinate everything with minimal effort required on your end. If we can’t reach your prescriber, we may contact you for a little help.
Once your prescription is sent to CVS Specialty, the pharmacy will communicate with you about your medication.
Yes. As long as you’ve given your approval, your prescriber can order your medication directly for you.
Yes, as long as the order hasn’t already shipped.
Shipping & delivery methods
We use UPS, Fedex or USPS. In some urgent situations, we may offer same-day courier delivery if eligible.
Medication costs & financial assistance
Your prescriber doesn’t have access to your insurance details. This means they won’t know your exact out-of-pocket cost ahead of time. Costs are calculated only after your prescription is processed through your insurance plan.
Call the number on the back of your member ID card. They can review your benefits and help you estimate your costs.
If eligible, we can connect you to third-party assistance programs, which may be able to help reduce your out-of-pocket medication cost.
Need help? We're here for you
Our CareTeam is ready to assist you with any questions or concerns. Once you have registered, live chat with us or call us at: 1-800-237-2767 (TTY: 711)
To avoid wait times on the phone, we recommend contacting us through live chat. Sign in or register, then click on the chat icon.