This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.
Thousands of Walgreens pharmacy customers are feeling the pinch across the nation right now. Why? Because of failed negotiations between Walgreens and Express Script. After a year of negotiations that ultimately failed, Walgreens will no longer be a part of the Express Scripts pharmacy provider network. During negotiations, Walgreens did not seek a rate increase, in an effort to hold prices flat for their customers. Express Scripts however, made heavy demands, such as wanting to unilaterally define contract terms, such as what does and does not constitute a brand and generic drug. Express Scripts also proposed to slash Walgreens reimbursement rates to levels below the industry average cost to provide each prescription. Even they have acknowledged that excluding Walgreens from their netwrok will not save clients any money. In fact, costs will likely increase, since Walgreens offers competitive pricing and less expensive generic drugs more often that competing pharmacies. They also save by offering 90 day supplies of medications, rather than three 30 day refills. Express Scripts could also offer the 90 day subscription savings to their clients, except that it conflicts with their own 90 day mail order subscription program.
One of Express Scripts clients is Tricare, the health care program serving America's military and their families. In an effort to help these families, Walgreens offered to contract seperately with Express Scripts for the Tricare families and even guaranteed to match or beat the average costs per adjusted prescription of all other pharmacies in the Tricare network. Express Scripts rejected these offers and continues to do so.
This change became effective January 1, 2012. Express Scripts members are now being forced to seek out other pharmacies in order to use their in network prescription benefits. This goes beyond an inconvenience. It is a real disruption to the lives of many customers. If you take any prescription medication regularly, you know what a huge hassle it is to have to switch from a conveniently located pharmacy where the pharmacists are familiar with you and your medications, to a totally new place where you have to deal with strangers. Patients who have come to enjoy Walgreens many locations and convenient drive thrus are now dealing with an enormous hassle, but are seeing no savings for their troubles.
In an effort to help these patients and others struggling with prescription medication cost, Walgreens is offering a special discount on their Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. The $10 annual fee covers you, your spouse, any dependents under the age of 22 and even pets. Individuals can join for just $5 a year. Members receive a discount on prescriptions, and can save on over 8000 brand-name and generic medications. The discount also applies to flu shots, nebulizers, diabetic supplies and even pet prescriptions. Additionally members get bonuses when they purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.
To find out if you are affected by this change check with your local Walgreens pharmacist. You can also check the back of their prescription insurance card – if it has Express Scripts’ name there, then you may be affected. If it doesn’t say Express Scripts, then you are not affected.
Stay updated on this situation by liking Walgreens on Facebook and you can also follow Walgreens on Twitter. If you routinely need prescription medications, stop by and talk to you local pharmacists about how the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club can benefit you and your family.
