Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Express Scripts?

Express Scripts* is a pharmacy benefit manager, and it administers the pharmacy benefits of many Blue Cross and HMO Louisiana 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 providers 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.

How do I know if my prescription benefits are administered by Express Scripts?

Why will Walgreens pharmacies no longer be in my 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 would cost more. Walgreens demands would cause you to either pay more at the pharmacy or more for your monthly premiums. For more information, click here to go to the Express Scripts page dedicated to this issue.

How can I find another pharmacy in my network?

On average, there is another network pharmacy within one-half mile of a Walgreens pharmacy. To find a network pharmacy, just log in at www.bcbsla.com and click Manage Medication, Find a Pharmacy. Then you can use the Express Scripts Find a Pharmacy locator tool. Or, click here to go to the Express Scripts page dedicated to this issue.

How do I use the Express Scripts Find a Pharmacy Tool

To find a network pharmacy, just log in at www.bcbsla.com and click Manage Medication, Find a Pharmacy. Then follow these steps to find a network pharmacy:

• Enter the location you would like to search for a pharmacy
• Review and update any of the options
• Click Search at the bottom of the page

Participating pharmacies are displayed based on the criteria you entered. To receive driving directions to your new pharmacy, please click on View Map.

(Note: The Pharmacy Locator displays network pharmacies only. Pharmacies that are not included in your network are not displayed.)

I received a letter notifying me of the change in my 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. Just log in at www.bcbsla.com and click Manage Medication, Find a Pharmacy, then you can use the Express Scripts Find a Pharmacy locator tool to find other network pharmacies.Or, click here to go to the Express Scripts page dedicated to this issue.

Will I be notified by letter if Walgreens leaves the Express Scripts network?

If you recently filled a prescription at Walgreens, we will let you know by letter if the pharmacy leaves the Express Scripts Network.

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 network?

You will pay more money out-of-pocket and out-of-network benefits will apply if you get your prescription filled at Walgreens after they leave the network.

Using a pharmacy that is not in the network means you will have to pay for your medication in full when you pick it up and you must file your own claim. Further, we can reimburse you only for what we would have paid a network pharmacy, less any copayments, deductibles or cost sharing you may have according to your health plan.

My pharmacist asked if I would like to join their Prescription Savings Club. Can I still use Walgreens to fill my prescriptions if I join this club?

We still recommend that you use a network pharmacy. What you pay for prescriptions filled with the savings club will not apply to your deductible, co-insurance or out-of-pocket maximum. Filling prescriptions with the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club, members have to file their own paper claim, which can take up to a month to process.

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.
• Ask your doctor to call your new pharmacy with your prescription information.
• Visit www.StartHomeDelivery.com to begin receiving up to a 90-day supply of your maintenance medications (those you take regularly) at home.

How can I access my prescription history?

As a member, you may access your own prescription history to share with a new pharmacy. Here is how to get your prescription history:

• Log In to your account at www.bcbsla.com
• Click Manage Medication
• Click View Drug Benefit Details

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

Copayments for covered medications purchased in network will not change as a result of Walgreens' decision to leave the network. However, if you choose to use Walgreens after Jan. 1, 2012, you will have to pay for your medication in full when you pick it up and you must file your own claim. Further, we can reimburse you only for what we would have paid a network pharmacy, less any copayments, deductibles or cost sharing you may have according to your health plan.

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, call us at 1.877.508.1379, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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 that provides 24-hour service, just log in at www.bcbsla.com and click Manage Medication, Find a Pharmacy then use the Express Scripts Find a Pharmacy locator tool.

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. Please consult your benefit plan for specific details.

What is considered an emergency?

Emergency prescriptions include:

• New prescriptions for pain relief due to injury
• Prescriptions to treat a newly diagnosed or changed serious medical condition where delay of treatment would hinder recovery

NOTE: Prescriptions for maintenance medications are not considered emergency fills.

*Express Scripts is an independent company that serves as the pharmacy benefit manager for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and HMO Louisiana Inc. Members who have Express Scripts pharmacy benefits has the Express Scripts logo on the member ID card.