express scripts

Walgreens no longer member of Express Scripts Network

Ohio University’s prescription drug benefit manager Express Scripts has notified the university that Walgreens has publicly announced it will stop participating as a pharmacy network provider effective January 1, 2012.

The Express Scripts pharmacy network includes thousands of pharmacies including national retail chains such as CVS, Kroger Pharmacy, and Wal-Mart Pharmacy.

Employees who utilize Walgreens can move prescriptions to another network pharmacy by doing one of the following:

• Take your prescription bottle to the new pharmacy; they will contact Walgreens to transfer your prescription.

• Call your new pharmacy and ask them to contact Walgreens on your behalf.

• Ask your doctor to call your new pharmacy with your prescription information.

• Visit www.starthomedelivery.com to being receiving up to a 90 day supply of our medications at home via Express Scripts home mail order pharmacy.

If you have any questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below or contact Express Scripts at 1-877-508-1379.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1.       Why will Walgreens* pharmacies no longer be in my network beginning January 1, 2012?

 Reducing costs for plan sponsors helps Express Scripts maintain its commitment to make prescription drugs affordable and accessible for all of our members. Your network contains tens of thousands of other conveniently located pharmacies that offer the same medications at a lower cost than Walgreens. Even if you don’t see a difference in the amount you pay at the pharmacy today, the higher costs charged by Walgreens may affect your future premiums.

2.       Is Walgreens* still in my network through the end of this calendar year?

Yes. Walgreens is still a participating pharmacy in your network through the end of 2011; however Walgreens will be out of your network beginning January 1, 2012.

3.       How can I find another pharmacy in my network?

On average, there is another network pharmacy within one-half mile of a Walgreens pharmacy. Our Pharmacy Locator tool at Express-Scripts.com can provide other in-network options. To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend you move your prescription now to another convenient in-network pharmacy and avoid having to change pharmacies at the end of the year.

4.       Are other pharmacies affected by this situation or only Walgreens?

Only Walgreens-owned pharmacies in our network are affected. Walgreens also operates under Duane Reade, Happy Harry’s and OptionCare. The other pharmacies in our network are unaffected and eager to serve you.

5.       Can I get my prescription filled at a nonparticipating pharmacy?

If you use a nonparticipating pharmacy, you will pay the full price for your prescription.

6.       Will there be a change to the price of my prescription?

In most cases, your copayment will not change. However, there could be slight variations depending on your specific benefit plan.

7.       My Walgreens pharmacy is open 24 hours; the other pharmacies you provided are not. What should I do if I need a 24-hour pharmacy?

There are other convenient 24-hour pharmacy choices, often just down the street in the same neighborhood as Walgreens. Our Pharmacy Locator tool at Express-Scripts.com can provide other in-network options that provide 24-hour service.