Walgreens and Express Scripts – Negotiations Failed – Were You Affected?

For the past year Walgreens and Express Scripts have tried to negotiate a contract to continue as part of its pharmacy provider network.  Needless to say, the negotiations were unsuccessful, which left many Walgreens pharmacy customers up in arms as they are forced to go elsewhere.   These people include America’s military service men and women.

 

There’s a reason people choose to go to Walgreens who needed to utilize Express Scripts for their prescription meds rather than Wal-Mart or another pharmacy.  First, many have developed relationships with their pharmacist.  Another thought that comes to mind is the availability to use Walgreens drive-thru service. Three major groups of the population that I can think of right off hand are: 

 

1. The disabled – particularly those in wheelchairs or severe walking disabilities

2.  Mothers with small children – especially when a child is sick or tired – no mother likes to have to cart kids into a store in situations like this

3. Those who are sick – and quite frankly, I would rather these individuals stay in their vehicles than to go into a store.  Let’s not forget – when one is sick – the last thing they want to do is wait inside a store for their prescription to be filled.

 

In my locale, there are roughly 12 pharmacy locations – two offer drive-thru service and one of those is nearly a half hour away…Walgreens is only 12 minutes away.  Walgreens is the only one that has pharmacy services 24 hours a day in some areas which is great for those who are prescribed a med after being seen at the ER or Urgent Care Clinic.  In addition, their pharmacy hours are open longer than ANY other pharmacy in my area. 

 

There is a value in local community pharmacies.  Express Scripts ultimately wants consumers to use their own mail order pharmacy.  This isn’t always feasible when one is sick and needs a prescription right away – say after leaving the ER.    

 

However, after all this being said, Walgreens, in an effort to minimize the disruption of service and inconvenience for patients under an Express Scripts plan, has devised a comprehensive plan to help with this transition.  One way of doing this is that they are offering a special discount on annual memberships for its Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens.  

 

Are You Affected by Express Scripts Unwillingness to negotiate a Contract with Walgreen’s?  If you are, show your support by liking Walgreens on Facebook and Walgreens on Twitter where you will be able to stay updated on this matter.