Express Script Negotiations with Walgreens Hurts Consumers

As of January 1, Walgreens and NYC Duane Reade pharmacies are no longer part of Express Scripts pharmacy provider network due to contract negotiations by Express Script. Despite Walgreens willingness to hold rates with no increase, Express Script still wanted to lower Walgreens reimbursement below industry standards and dispute the definitions of brand-name and generic drugs. Because of the inability to reach an agreement, Walgreens is no longer part of Express Scripts plan.

Unfortunately, consumers—especially military families—are the ones that are really hurt by the Walgreens and Express Script negotiations. Tricare, one of Express Scripts clients, is the prescription program for America’s military families. During the negotiations, Walgreens offered special separate contracts for Tricare coverage; Express Script refused.

However, Walgreens is offering to minimize disruptions for its customers where it can. For example, they are offering discounts for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club membership. Walgreens claims,“An individual can join during a special January promotion for only $5, or $10 for a family membership, and receive 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. Regular annual membership is $20 for an individual and $35 for a family.”

Not only that, Walgreens also offers additional benefits like savings on more than 8,000 brand-name medications, savings on all generic medications, discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, and nebulizer and diabetic supplies, and even bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photo finishing services.

Learn more about Walgreens and what they’re doing to help customers by following Walgreens on Facebook and Walgreens on Twitter.

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

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