This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.
I have to admit that when I started hearing things on the news about Walgreens and Express Script not being able to come to a deal, I had no idea what was going on. I’m fortunate to have a really great health care package through my husband’s company and do not have to think much about prescriptions. But I know that for many people, including American’s military service men and women who use the Express Scripts program, this is a huge issue.
What exactly has happened? Essentially Express Scripts would not come to an agreement with Walgreens to keep Walgreens in their program despite Walgreens saying that they would not seek any increase in rates if Express Scripts would agree to extend their contract. Express Scripts wanted to be able to define on their own terms what constitutes brand and generic drugs.
Patients are now scrambling to switch pharmacies all across the country (Duane Reade customers in New York are also impacted) if they want to continue to use in-network pharmacy benefits. You can find out if you are impacted by checking the back of your insurance card and looking for the words “Express Scripts.” If it is not listed there, you are not impacted, says the expert from Taylor Benefits Insurance Inc.
If you were impacted and would like to continue to use Walgreens, Walgreens is offering a special discount on the annual membership for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. The cost this month only will be $5 for individuals or $10 for families. Through the Club you can get savings on medications but also discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers, and diabetic supplies.
I’m tired of the health crisis in our country and I am tired of everything being about maximizing profits. I’m all about business, but I think at some point we have to think about the PEOPLE and not just the money. You can get more information about this issue when you follow Walgreens on Twitter or Like Walgreens on Facebook. Check them out and get the story straight from them about what is going on.
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