Walgreens and Express Scripts Divide and the Effects on You
This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.
My 9 year old daughter, Squeakers, has Asthma; she’s was diagnosed at 2 years of age. Numerous hospital stays and prescription medications later, I can tell you how important it is to have a good prescription plan.
For the past year Walgreens and Express Script has been in contract negotiations to hopefully come to an agreement for Walgreens to continue as a pharmacy provider in the Express Scripts network. As of January 2012 that contract ended and Walgreens is no longer in the Express Scripts network. Express scripts worked like a middle-man between the employer health plans and pharmacies, a network partnership with Walgreens which used to bring pharmacy customers affordable medications. Express Scripts primary goal was to get these customers to solely use their mail order pharmacy which would ultimately effect the production of it’s customers local pharmacy. This will allow Express Scripts to gain control of the profits, prescription brand classification, to name a couple.
What does this mean for you?
Higher prices for the same prescriptions for those who use the Express Scripts network. Not all will be affected during this change, only those who have been using Express Scripts and Walgreens pharmacies need be concerned. It’s advisable that these customers speak with their Walgreens Pharmacist to determine if this change effects you. You can also check the back of your prescription card to see if Express Scripts is listed; if it’s not listed, you will not be affected.
How is Walgreens helping with the transition?
To minimize any negative effects the elimination of this partnership will have on it’s pharmacy customers, Walgreens has implemented a savings offer during January for those who would like to switch over to the chains Walgreens Prescription Savings Club for individuals or families. Individuals can purchase a membership for $5 and families, along with immediate family members under the same plan, can purchase a membership for $10, a savings of up to 70%! What does a membership gain you? Discounts on flu shots, pet medications, nebulizers and diabetic supplies, a savings on over 8000 brand name and generic medications and other member bonuses.
Walgreens has taken action to help transition their customers smoothly; be sure to take advantage of the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club savings offer before the offer expires at the end of January.
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