Walgreens leaving Blue Cross network in 2012

Blue Cross Blue Shield will no longer count Walgreens among its network of prescription providers beginning Jan. 1, officials with the insurance company confirm today. Walgreens has pulled out of an agreement with Express Scripts, a St. Louis-based pharmacy benefit firm that negotiates nationwide contracts on behalf of health plans and employer groups. “Blue Cross regrets the pharmacy chain’s decision to end their agreement with Express Scripts, thereby leaving the network,” says John Maginnis, vice president of corporate communications for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, in an official statement. “Members whose benefits are administered by Express Scripts will continue to receive benefits at a Walgreens pharmacy until Dec. 31, 2011.” Because Walgreens is the only in-network 24-hour pharmacy for many customers in the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield will allow for emergency reimbursement in most coverage areas. “If there is an emergency requiring 24-hour access and no other pharmacy in your area offers this service, your plan may allow you to use a Walgreens pharmacy, pay full price for your prescription, and then submit the claim for reimbursement,” says Dianne Eysink, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Director of Corporate Communications. The Los Angeles Times reports Walgreens customers covered under Blue Cross Blue Shield are receiving letters notifying them of the change. Websites for both Express Scripts and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer customers information and links for transferring pharmacies. “On average, there is another pharmacy within one-half mile of a Walgreens location,” Maginnis says. “Blue Cross is reaching out to its members who have used the pharmacy within the last three months and giving them information on how to find and switch to another pharmacy.” Representatives for Express Scripts did not return calls for comment. —Ian McGibboney