This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I realize information about prescription coverage isn't something I would normally blog about, but when I had the opportunity to share something w/ all of you that has effected some of my loved ones, I jumped at the chance in order to possibly prevent the hassle they've been dealing with.
For over a year now, Walgreens and Express Script have been in negotiations to continue their contract as part of their pharmacy provider network. However, these talks were unsuccessful and that contract expired on Dec. 31, 2011. As a result, Walgreens is no longer part of the Express Scripts' provider network as of Jan. 1, 2012. This includes all Walgreens pharmacies nation wide and Duane Reade pharmacies in the NYC area. This is very unfortunate b/c it's causing disruption in Express Scripts' patients w/ no significant benefit to them or their health plan. Because of this, many of them are having to drive farther to get medications filled at pharmacies w/ less convenient hours for their busy every day lives. And the worst part? Patients are seeing no decrease in cost for their trouble. Express Scripts has even stated that customers will see no significant savings from excluding Walgreens from their network. In fact, pricing might actually go up without Walgreens' competitive pricing and generic dispensing habits. This is even effecting our military service men, women and their families b/c one of Express Scripts' clients is Tricare, the health and prescription drug program for the American military.
So what does this mean for Express Scripts clients that have been using Walgreens for years, and have built a personal relationship w/ their pharmacist? In an effort to minimize their inconvenience Walgreens unveiled a national effort to make this transition as smooth as possible. Only patients w/ certain prescription insurance plans managed by Express Scripts are effected, so it's best to check w/ your Walgreens pharmacist to see if you are.
Among their efforts, Walgreens is offering a special discount on an annual membership for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. During a special January promotion, an individual can join for only $5, or a family membership for $10; and receive savings on over 8,000 brand name and all generic medications.
Express Scripts wants customers to use their own mail order pharmacy business instead of the local community pharmacy whenever possible. This could potentially threaten all community drugstores in your area. Imagine that pharmacy not being open to fill a prescription when your child is sick at 2am. Or you need a flu shot and don't have time to visit the doctor. This value to customers needs to be recognized by Express Scripts.
I have family members, who take many medications daily, and are a part of the Express Script client list. I have watched how much of a struggle this transition has been for them, and it upsets me. No one company should be able to prevent you from getting the best pharmaceutical care you can.
Walgreens is always providing valuable information to their customers, so be sure to stay up on everything they have to offer like this promotion, and other things that can impact your family. Show your support by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter .
I realize information about prescription coverage isn't something I would normally blog about, but when I had the opportunity to share something w/ all of you that has effected some of my loved ones, I jumped at the chance in order to possibly prevent the hassle they've been dealing with.
For over a year now, Walgreens and Express Script have been in negotiations to continue their contract as part of their pharmacy provider network. However, these talks were unsuccessful and that contract expired on Dec. 31, 2011. As a result, Walgreens is no longer part of the Express Scripts' provider network as of Jan. 1, 2012. This includes all Walgreens pharmacies nation wide and Duane Reade pharmacies in the NYC area. This is very unfortunate b/c it's causing disruption in Express Scripts' patients w/ no significant benefit to them or their health plan. Because of this, many of them are having to drive farther to get medications filled at pharmacies w/ less convenient hours for their busy every day lives. And the worst part? Patients are seeing no decrease in cost for their trouble. Express Scripts has even stated that customers will see no significant savings from excluding Walgreens from their network. In fact, pricing might actually go up without Walgreens' competitive pricing and generic dispensing habits. This is even effecting our military service men, women and their families b/c one of Express Scripts' clients is Tricare, the health and prescription drug program for the American military.
So what does this mean for Express Scripts clients that have been using Walgreens for years, and have built a personal relationship w/ their pharmacist? In an effort to minimize their inconvenience Walgreens unveiled a national effort to make this transition as smooth as possible. Only patients w/ certain prescription insurance plans managed by Express Scripts are effected, so it's best to check w/ your Walgreens pharmacist to see if you are.
Among their efforts, Walgreens is offering a special discount on an annual membership for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. During a special January promotion, an individual can join for only $5, or a family membership for $10; and receive savings on over 8,000 brand name and all generic medications.
Express Scripts wants customers to use their own mail order pharmacy business instead of the local community pharmacy whenever possible. This could potentially threaten all community drugstores in your area. Imagine that pharmacy not being open to fill a prescription when your child is sick at 2am. Or you need a flu shot and don't have time to visit the doctor. This value to customers needs to be recognized by Express Scripts.
I have family members, who take many medications daily, and are a part of the Express Script client list. I have watched how much of a struggle this transition has been for them, and it upsets me. No one company should be able to prevent you from getting the best pharmaceutical care you can.
Walgreens is always providing valuable information to their customers, so be sure to stay up on everything they have to offer like this promotion, and other things that can impact your family. Show your support by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter .
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