Frequently Asked Questions about Walgreens Negotiations

Who should I call if I need help regarding my prescriptions?

If you need assistance, please call Express Scripts at 1.877.508.1379.

Who is Express Scripts?

Express Scripts* is a pharmacy benefit manager, and it administers the pharmacy benefits for RxBLUE PDP customers. Express Scripts is a national, independent company that negotiates cost-competitive agreements with participating retail pharmacies like Walgreens on behalf of health plans and employer groups to keep costs down and prescriptions more affordable.

At Blue Cross, we are committed to keeping your prescription drugs affordable and accessible. That is why we contract with Express Scripts. Express Scripts takes the responsibility of negotiating the best possible agreements with all pharmacies very seriously. We have every confidence in Express Scripts to negotiate arrangements that are in the best interests of our customers and their pharmacy benefits.

Why will Walgreens pharmacies no longer be in my RxBLUE PDP pharmacy network beginning Jan. 1, 2012?

If Express Scripts were to accept Walgreens' current proposal, which includes demands that are out of line with the industry norm, your prescriptions could cost more. Walgreens' demands could cause you to either pay more at the pharmacy or more for your monthly premiums in the future.

Is Walgreens still in my network through the end of this 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 Jan. 1, 2012. We can help you move your current prescriptions and any new prescriptions to another convenient pharmacy today. For assistance with moving your current prescriptions and any new prescriptions to another conveniently located pharmacy, Express Scripts has a dedicated phone line to help you. You can call Express Scripts at 1-877-508-1379 for assistance. To find a network pharmacy, please click here.

What if this issue is not resolved by the end of the year?

Unfortunately, Walgreens and Express Scripts have been unable to reach an agreement on a contract that would become effective next year. Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, Walgreens will no longer be available to you as a network pharmacy.

We encourage you to consider changing pharmacies now, so that you won't have to do so in a pinch. To find a network pharmacy, please click here or call Express Scripts at 1-877-508-1379 for assistance.

How can I find another RxBLUE PDP pharmacy in my network?

On average, there is another network pharmacy within one-half mile of a Walgreens pharmacy. To find a network pharmacy, To find a network pharmacy, please click here or call Express Scripts at 1-877-508-1379 for assistance.

I received a letter notifying me of the change in my RxBLUE PDP pharmacy network. Are the three pharmacies listed in my letter the only ones I can use now?

Not at all. You have a large network of pharmacies to choose from, and many are conveniently located. Finding other network pharmacies is easy. To find a network pharmacy, To find a network pharmacy, please click here or call Express Scripts at 1-877-508-1379 for assistance.

Will I be notified by letter if Walgreens leaves the RxBLUE PDP network?

If you recently filled a prescription at Walgreens, we will let you know by letter if the pharmacy leaves the Express Scripts Network. We will also provide you with a list of network pharmacies closest to the Walgreens location you last used. These neighboring pharmacies are eager to serve you.

Are other pharmacies affected by this situation or only Walgreens?

Only Walgreens-owned pharmacies in your network are affected. The other pharmacies in our network are not affected and are happy to serve you.

Can I get my prescription filled at Walgreens after they leave the RxBLUE PDP network?

Unless certain conditions apply, using a pharmacy that is not in the RxBLUE PDP network means you will have to pay full cost (rather than your normal share of the cost) when you fill your prescription. You can ask us to reimburse you for our share of the costs. Please note, when calculating your out-of-pocket costs, you are not allowed to include any payments for drugs that you get from at an out-of-network pharmacy that do not meet the plan's requirements for out-of-network coverage. Please refer to your Evidence of Coverage for more information on out-of-network coverage.

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. To find a network pharmacy,To find a network pharmacy, please click here or call Express Scripts at 1-877-508-1379 for assistance.

How do I move my prescriptions to a new pharmacy?

Simply transfer your prescriptions to the new pharmacy by doing one of the following:

• Take your prescription bottle or packaging to your new pharmacy; they will contact your old pharmacy to transfer your prescription, or
• Call your new pharmacy and ask them to contact your old pharmacy, or
• Ask your doctor to call your new pharmacy with your prescription information, or
• Visit www.StartHomeDelivery.com to begin receiving up to a 90-day supply of your maintenance medications (those that you take regularly) at home.

For assistance with moving your current prescriptions and any new prescriptions to another conveniently located pharmacy, Express Scripts has a dedicated phone line to help you. You can call Express Scripts at 1-877-508-1379 for assistance.

I currently get my prescriptions by mail from Express Scripts. Will this change?

Any existing home delivery prescriptions from the Express Scripts Pharmacy are not affected by this change.

I have a specific brand of medicine – how do I know another pharmacy carries this brand?

All major pharmacies carry the same brand-name medicines. You can check with your new pharmacy when you transfer your prescription, but in all likelihood, you will be able to receive your medication at any of our convenient, quality network pharmacies.

Can I get my brand via mail order?

Yes. All major pharmacies, including the Express Scripts Pharmacy, carry the same brand-name medications. To begin receiving your medications by mail, visit www.StartHomeDelivery.com or if you don't have Internet access, you can call Express Scripts at 1-877-508-1379.

When can I use a pharmacy that is not in the RxBLUE PDP network?

Your prescription may be covered in certain situations. Generally, we cover drugs filled at an out-of-network pharmacy only when you are not able to use a network pharmacy. Here are the circumstances when we would cover prescriptions filled at an out-of-network pharmacy:

RxBLUE PDP will cover prescriptions filled at an out-of-network pharmacy when:

• You are traveling within the United States and territories, lose or run out of your covered prescription drugs, or become ill.
• You need a prescription because of a medical emergency or because you needed urgent care.

We will also cover your prescription at an out-of-network pharmacy if at least one of the following applies:

• If you are unable to obtain a covered drug in a timely manner within our service area because there is no network pharmacy within a reasonable driving distance that provides 24-hour service.
• If you are trying to fill a prescription drug that is not regularly stocked at an accessible network retail or mail-order pharmacy (including high cost and unique drugs).
• If you are getting a vaccine that is medically necessary but not covered by Medicare Part B or other covered drugs that are administered in your doctor's office.

Please refer to your Evidence of Coverage (RxBLUE Basic PDP EOC or RxBLUE Plus PDP EOC) for more information on out-of-network coverage.

Beneficiaries must use network pharmacies to access their prescription drug benefit. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1, 2012. If you need help understanding the information in this letter, please contact Customer Service at 1-888-223-BLUE (2583) for free language translator services, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. TTY users should call 1-800-947-5277.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is incorporated as Louisiana Health Service & Indemnity Company, a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor.