Walgreens and Express Scripts can’t reach a deal, part ways

Blue Cross Blue Shield policyholders hoping to keep Walgreens as a prescription provider saw no last-minute resolution to a reimbursement dispute at year’s end, and will have to seek a new network provider. Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the United States, and St. Louis-based Express Scripts were unable to agree on prescription reimbursements for the contract period that began Jan. 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana contracts with Express Scripts to negotiate prescription prices; the impasse led to the insurance firm’s decision to drop the pharmacy from its network effective Sunday. “We feel like we need to help keep costs under control,” says Robin Mayhall, spokeswoman for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. “Blue Cross and Express Scripts both take that responsibility very seriously.” She says that “the door is open” to Walgreens rejoining the network if it can reach an agreement with Express Scripts. Downplaying prior reports that the decision will affect up to 1 million policyholders in Louisiana, Mayhall says that the actual number is “not quite as dire.” She says approximately 512,000 customers have plans that go through Express Scripts, and about 130,000 had recently filled prescriptions at Walgreens. The change does not affect self-insured plans, such as state benefits. Those who go through Express Scripts have “ESI” on their insurance cards, she says. The change could potentially burden customers for whom Walgreens is the only nearby 24-hour, in-network pharmacy. Mayhall says those in that situation needing emergency prescriptions can pay full price, and Blue Cross Blue Shield will reimburse. However, she says, most account holders are within close range of an alternative 24-hour, in-network pharmacy. —Ian McGibboney