Friday, January 13, 2012

Walgreens and Express Scripts

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
 
I'm sure, if you take any prescription medications, that you have a regular pharmacy that you always go to.  It's convenient - close to home or work, open when you need it to be, and they take your insurance.  For many people, that pharmacy is a Walgreens pharmacy.  Walgreens has more 24-hour and drive-through pharmacies than any other pharmacy in the country - making them very convenient for busy people.
 
How would you feel if you suddenly had to choose a new pharmacy because you could no longer use your prescription drug benefits at your regular pharmacy?  Many people who are covered by an Express Scripts pharmacy plan are finding themselves in just such a situation because Walgreens is no longer part of Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider network as of Jan. 1, 2012.   This includes many of our military service men and women because their health and prescription drug program, Tricare is one of Express Scripts’ clients.  If you think you might be affected, be sure to check the back of your prescription card to see if it says Express Scripts, or check with your local Walgreens pharmacist.
 
Negotiations between Walgreens and Express Script continued for a year.  Walgreens did not seek an increase in rates, and Express Scripts itself admitted that clients will not see any significant savings from excluding Walgreens from the network - but an agreement could not be made.  That has left many patients scrambling to find a new pharmacy and, I'm sure, frustrated that they no longer have the choice to use Walgreens if that's what they're used to or is most convenient for them.
 
In an effort to help the people who are affected by this situation, Walgreens is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club. Individuals can join during a special January promotion for only $5, or $10 for a family membership.  (Regular annual membership is $20 for an individual and $35 for a family, so that's a huge savings!)  The Walgreens Prescription Savings Club offers savings on more than 8,000 brand name and all generic medications. More than 400 generics are available with a three-month supply for less than $1 a week.  Other benefits include discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies and bonuses for purchasing Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.

You can stay updated on this situation and show your support of Walgreens by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter.
 
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