Are You A Walgreens Pharmacy Customer?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Due to unsuccessful negotiations, Walgreens and Express Script pharmacy provider network have parted ways as of January 1, 2012.  Patients are now having to possibly change their pharmacists, drive farther for their prescriptions and deal with pharmacies with less convenient hours.  Walgreens was convenient and effective for so many consumers because they offer more 24-hour and drive-thru pharmacies than any other pharmacy in the country.  To top it off patients are not seeing their costs go down in exchange for all the hassles they now have to go through to get their prescriptions.

It amazes me to read that Walgreens was not even seeking an increase in rates while negotiating with the Express Scripts network.  The network was trying to designate what does and does not constitute a brand and generic drug and they also wanted Walgreens to be reimbursed less than the industry average.  Express Scripts itself has even stated that consumers will not see any savings from excluding Walgreens from its network.  Costs may actually go up because Walgreens offers competitive pricing, additional savings by dispensing less expensive generic drugs more often than other pharmacies and savings through 90-day supplies versus 30-day refills.

So what does all this mean?  Many patients who used Walgreens and Express Script plans now have to part ways.  Consumers have to leave their Walgreens pharmacist whom they have had a personal relationship with and now look to a pharmacy within their in-network insurance coverage; however, in an effort to minimize disruption and inconvenience, Walgreens is stepping up.  Walgreens is trying their best to help patients make smooth transitions to either continue using Walgreens or transfer to another pharmacy.

Not sure if this impacts you?  Your Walgreens pharmacist can check for you or if the back of your prescription insurance card says Express Scripts then you may be affected.

Walgreens is also offering a special discount on an annual membership for the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club.  An individual can join during a special January promotion for only $5 or a family membership can be purchased for $10.  Savings on more than 8,000 brand name and all generic medications as well as more than 400 generics are available with a three-month supply for less than $1 a week.

Want to keep up with Walgreens?

Check out Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook.