This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hi everyone! This sponsored post is a little out of my normal sponsored post genre, but I know that everyone has a Walgreens in their town (well, almost everyone) so I thought this issue might affect some of you so I wanted to read up on it. I had never even heard of Express Scripts before. It must be an important issue if Walgreens is sponsoring posts for it….
The gist of it is that Express Scripts has decided that Walgreens will no longer be in its network. You can read more about the issue here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/144giYDsuBLUzZ5rJqe7oo8madlMnFkJ6xTUFcNGsNDM/edit
And here’s another link with lots more information: Walgreens and Express Scripts
From my understanding, Express Scripts didn’t renew their contract with Walgreens, so they are no longer “in network” and people will have to find new pharmacies. Which we all know Walgreens is super convenient, and easy to frequent. It sounds like Express Scripts, among other things, is leaning towards promoting their mail order pharmacy. (Obviously the information is from Walgreen’s standpoint). I know the times I use Walgreens is when I need prescriptions last minute, or when it’s late at night and nowhere else is open.
Included in this is Tricare, which affects the military – sounds like Walgreens will no longer be in network for them. They tried to negotiate the Tricare contract separately, but it didn’t go through.
Walgreens is trying to help by offering discounts on its Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens. And by informing the media and getting the word out. If you are affected negatively, you can make your voice heard.
Ways to stay informed are by following Walgreens on a couple of platforms:
This is just a brief summary and heads-up. I encourage you to read the article and form your own opinions about the issue at hand: Walgreens and Express Scripts.
FYI, info from Express Scripts: Express Scripts is a pharmacy benefit manager. Our clients (the employers, health plans, unions and government agencies that provide your pharmacy benefit) hire us to make sure your medications are safe, affordable and broadly accessible. We negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies to keep costs down.
One of those pharmacies is Walgreens. In June 2011, Walgreens unilaterally announced that it would be leaving our network starting January 1, 2012. Walgreens wants a premium for doing the same thing other pharmacies do for less. At a time where the cost of healthcare is a growing concern, our clients expect us to drive down costs, not keep them high.
Since Walgreens announced it was leaving, we’ve worked to make sure Express Scripts clients and members know there are convenient, lower-cost options available to them. Overwhelmingly, members have made the switch to pharmacies in our network that are ready, willing and able to serve our members. The transition has been smooth and continues to be. It is easy to switch a prescription: all you have to do is take your empty pill bottle to your pharmacist. They will call and take care of the transfer.
The good news for Express Scripts members is that there are 56,000 pharmacies nationwide that are in-network. There are pharmacies in “big box” stores and grocery stores, places you visit on a regular basis. Also, there are other chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies that are located nearby. On average, another pharmacy is within 0.5 miles of a Walgreens – a short walk, or even shorter drive. Express Scripts members can find another pharmacy by going to our pharmacy locator on http://www.express-scripts.com.
Mandy…your comments are a bit delusional. This has NOT been an easy transition for myself, my family, my friends, or my co-workers. Sure there are other pharmacies…but you pay a premium for QUALITY. Walgreens has the best service and convenience bar none. Bottom line…this whole thing sucks. Walgreens is the only 24 hour pharmacy within 30 miles of my locale. Convenient my foot. Wake up. Your company sucks.
Allow me to apologize for my prior comment. I now see that your posting came from Express Scripts and not you. You are not delusional. Express Scripts, however, still sucks.