This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.
Express Scripts is the second-largest pharmacy benefits manager in the United States. While profits for prescriptions among other pharmacies have been flat or declining, Express Scripts’ profits have grown at a rate more than two times the average of peers in health care.
For the past year, Walgreens and Express Script have been in negations for a new contract that ended on December 31, 2011. During negotiations, Walgreens offered to hold rates for a new contract flat and did not seek an increase in rates. Yet these offers were rejected.
After attempts to come to new terms failed, many patients were forced to go elsewhere. As of Jan 1st, patients covered by an Express Scripts plan now have to change their pharmacists which could become a hassle for those that will have to drive farther. And for those with a busy schedule that have switched to a pharmacy with less convenient hours. Unlike Walgreens, who offers more 24-hour and drive-thru pharmacies than any other pharmacy in the country.
During negations, Walgreens also offered to match or beat the average costs per adjusted prescription of all other pharmacies in the network used by America’s military service men and women, but again these offers were rejected.
Instead Express Scripts proposed to slash Walgreens reimbursement rates to levels below the industry average cost to provide each prescription. Express Scripts itself has stated that clients will not see any significant savings from excluding Walgreens from its network.
Only patients with certain prescription insurance plans managed by Express Scripts are impacted. If the back of your prescription insurance card has Express Scripts’ name there, then you may be affected. You can also check with your local Walgreens pharmacist.
In an effort to minimize their disruption and inconvenience, Walgreens is doing all it can to make this transition as smooth as possible. As a result, they are offering a special discount on the annual membership for the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club!
For $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets! Individuals may join for $5.
Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions. Other benefits include:
- Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications.
- Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies.
- Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.
And if you don’t save more than the cost of your membership, they’ll refund the difference!
People receiving benefits from Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state health care programs are ineligible. Offer ends Jan 31, 2012.
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