Pharmacy & Wellness Vending Machines

How to Get Care 

Pharmacy:

  • Prescriptions and refills
  • Over-the-counter medications, including generic emergency contraception (Plan B) for $10
  • Safe medication disposal services
  • Students may continue to refill prescriptions after graduation if they maintain an affiliation with the university (e.g., still use Michigan Medicine or other U-M services)

Location: First floor of the University Health Service Building; 734-764-7387 (general questions)

 

To request refills:

  • 734-764-4180 (prescription refill requests)
  • In person at the pharmacy
  • Through the PocketRx app: download the app (Apple app store or Google Play app store), then enter zip code 48109 to find our pharmacy 

 

Wellness Vending Machines

Following a recommendation from the 2022 U-M task force charged with planning for the consequences of the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision and with input from student leaders, wellness vending machines are now a reality at U-M!

 

The machines are intended to increase access to affordable health and wellness products, particularly items that may be needed discreetly, urgently, or after hours. 

 

Examples include:

  • Sexual health supplies, including emergency contraception*, birth control pills, condoms, lubricant, tampons, and pregnancy tests
  • Naloxone nasal spray for suspected opioid overdoses
  • Combo rapid antigen COVID-19 & flu tests
  • Cold/flu medication
  • Pain relievers
  • Personal care products

 

*Emergency contraception is also available at the UHC pharmacy and Blue Market locations at the Union, Pierpont Commons, and Mosher-Jordan Hall.

 

Vending machine locations at UM-Ann Arbor:

  • Michigan Union, 4th floor (Central Campus)
  • School of Public Health, 1679 SPH1
  • Taubman Health Sciences Library, Room 5020

Vending machine locations on other campuses:

  • Renick University Center, 2nd floor (UM-Dearborn)
  • Harding Mott University Center (UM-Flint)

Usage and feedback on all of the machines will be carefully monitored as future locations are considered. This page will continue to be updated as new locations are added.

 

Pharmacy FAQs

 

What insurance plans does the pharmacy accept?

We accept multiple prescription drug plans. The following list is not comprehensive and is subject to change.

  • Blue Care Network (BCN) U-M Student Insurance Plans (domestic and international)
  • Most Michigan BlueCross-BlueShield Plans
  • CVS Caremark
  • OptumRX
  • Health Alliance Prescription Drug Plan (HAP)
  • Express Scripts
  • Priority Health
  • Cigna Prescription Programs
  • Magellan/Prime Therapeutics

 

Some prescription insurance plans cover the full prescription cost, while others require co-payment. Payment is expected at the time of service unless the situation is an emergency and special arrangements are made.

 

Safe medication disposal

As part of our commitment to safety, we offer a self-service MedSafe, a drop-off station where you can dispose of unused or unwanted medications. This protects people and our waterways. The station is located on the first floor near the ATM.

  • Arrive during regular business hours (generally 8:00-5:00, Monday-Friday)
  • Put your medications into the MedSafe, located inside UHS, on the first floor near the Pharmacy, next to the ATM.
  • You can leave medications in their original containers with assurance that all medications will be kept confidential. 

Acceptable items:

  • Controlled substances including narcotics
  • Other tablets and capsules
  • Liquids (4 oz. or less, placed in a Ziploc plastic bag)

Unacceptable items (please ask at the Pharmacy for safe disposal locations for these items):

  • Sharps containers
  • Needles
  • Syringes
  • Aerosol cans
  • Trash
  • Medical devices
  • Chemicals
  • Hazardous materials
How long will it take to fill my prescription?

Most medications are filled the same day. If a medication is not in stock or requires a prior authorization, you may need to return to pick it up another day.

How will I know when my prescription is ready?

 

You can wait for it, or you can choose to be notified via email or text when it's ready for pick-up. 

 

Can I transfer my prescription to (or from) the pharmacy?

 

Yes, provided you have refills remaining. 

 

Does the pharmacy accept prescriptions written by out-of-state physicians?

Yes, with a few exceptions. Contact us to learn more at 734-764-7387.
 

Can I send someone else to pick up my prescription?

 

Prescription information is confidential by law, so we prefer that you pick up a new prescription. However, you can send someone else to pick up a refilled prescription but you must call ahead to authorize another person to pick up. They must present identification to the pharmacy. If you prefer, you can also provide written authorization.

 

Will my parents be notified about my prescription(s)?

 

Typically, we will provide prescription information to you only. However, note there are some exceptions:

  • If you are under 18 years old
  • If you give written authorization to release this information
  • If you are using insurance belonging to your parent(s); the insurance company may contact the person responsible for that insurance policy
If I have graduated, will the pharmacy refill my prescriptions?

 

Yes, provided you have refills remaining, you may have access to all your refills within the legal one-year time frame, even after graduation.