Updated November 08, 2014.

Shopping for medical supplies online is evolving with new features, and benefits for us consumers, every month. Here are some ways that stores are selling medical supplies online in ways that make it more convenient for the shopper.

Automatic Reorder Programs

Many companies have adopted the popular automatic reorder program so that we shoppers don't need to remember every month to login to our store account and place another order.

How many times have you forgotten to refill your order online and had to go a few days, or a few weeks, without your refill while you waited?

Automatic reorder programs solve that, and companies are smart enough to incentivize the consumer financially for using the program too. So now you not only benefit from the time you save placing your order every month, and the benefit of always having your refill arrive at your door in time whether you remembered it was coming or not, you also have a chance to save some money. Some retailers, like Walgreens, are actually offering a small discount when you sign up for their automatic reorder program.

Here's how it works: 

1. You search for your product in the retailers online store.
2. Select your product and add it to your shopping cart.
3. Set your delivery schedule so that your medical supplies arrive at the interval in which you need them.

That's it. Then you receive your items on schedule. Most store programs allow you to cancel the automatic delivery program at any time too, so make sure the company you're ordering from offers that benefit.

Reward Programs

Online Medical Suppliers are also competing for your loyalty. These loyalty rewards programs are worth looking into because your savings can add up. 

For example, Rite Aid's rewards program offers these savings (and many more not listed here):

• Their wellness65+ offers seniors a 20% discount on the first Wednesday of every month.
• Automated courtesy prescription refills.
• Their wellness+ for Diabetes gives diabetics access to diabetes newsletters with exclusive savings.
• Their wellness+ for Allergy program gives you reward program dollars to spend when you reach certain spending intervals on your qualified over the counter allergy medicines.

Each store's program is quite robust with its reward offerings and chances for you to save. Those are only a few of the benefits Rite Aid offers.

Walgreen's program is based on a points reward system. Walgreen's rewards program offers these benefits, and more:

• Weekly specials reward points for their purchase.
• Earn points for prescription refills and immunizations.
• Earn points for keeping a health and fitness log. For example, earn points for every mile walked, every in-store blood pressure check, etc. By tending to your health, you'll earn store dollars you can spend on products you need.

Online Deals

Online medical suppliers have their own incentives to move their products just like most other stores. There are contractual reasons and bonuses they can earn if they sell a certain quantity of products. Sometimes, they simply need to open up warehouse space or in store shelf space. 

This all works to our benefit as consumers. So here's how to take advantage of them:

When shopping for your medical supplies online, look for a link, usually near the top of the web page, that says something like, "Savings & Deals" or "Online Deals & Savings".

These links will take you to pages that show their weekly specials, coupons you can redeem either online or in the local store, sales and promotions, featured ways to earn more reward points, and how to save by using their store brands.

These sections are updated weekly, so they are worth visiting routinely when you need something. You never know what you might find for a deal.