Walgreen's Prescription Savings Program

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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you noticed the price of prescription medicines going up along with everything else in this economy?  It seems like no matter what happens, the consumer just cannot seem to get ahead when it comes to the drug companies.  Not only that, but prescription drug savings programs have also made things difficult.

Walgreen's experienced this firsthand.  It was a part of Express Scripts pharmacy provider network, but they and Walgreen's were unable to reach an agreement.  Therefore, as of December 31 last year, Walgreen's and Express Scripts parted ways.  This has added to the economic troubles for Walgreen's patients who have been forced to find a new pharmacy and possibly drive further to get their prescriptions.

You can imagine the disruption this has caused.  I don't know about you, but I like the convenience of drugstores like Walgreen's, and it is really a hassle when I am forced to find a new pharmacy.  Express Scripts customers are feeling the same way.  Indeed Express Scripts has not put the welfare of its customers ahead of making money.  They have decided that their terms and demands are more important than anything else.  One of the biggest groups affected is the American military and their family members since one of Express Scripts' clients is Tricare, the health and prescription drug program for the military.

Walgreens and Express Script

My hat has to go off to Walgreen's for the way that they have handled this situation.  They tried to negotiate with Express Scripts, and when they were unable to come to any kind of agreement, Walgreen's decided to take matters into their own hands.  Walgreen's cautions its customers to check to see if they are affected because not everyone with Express Scripts is impacted.  

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

For those who have been affected, Walgreen's is offering a fantastic prescription drugs savings program.  They are offering a special discount on annual membership to their prescription savings program.  During the month of January, individuals can join for $5, and family memberships are only  $10 (includes immediate family--spouses, dependents 22 and younger, and pets).    The normal price to join is $20 for an individual and $35 for a family.  Once you enroll in this savings club, you will be able to save money on more than 8,000 brand name and generic prescription drugs.  Four hundred generic drugs are available in 3-month supply for just $1 a week.  In addition to these savings, members also will receive discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers, and diabetic supplies.  Member will even receive bonuses when they purchase Walgreen's brand products and photofinishing services.

I think that what Walgreen's has chosen to do puts the customer first instead of money.  Express Scripts is trying to push their customers to use their mail order service because it is more profitable for them.  The drawback to mail order is that it is often much less convenient for the customer.  Many people prefer to use a local pharmacy that knows them and with whom they have developed relationships and trust over the years.  

I would encourage you to support Walgreen's in this endeavor.  If you do not have a prescription drug program, sign up this month.  You will get an amazing deal.  Also be sure to like them on facebook and follow them on twitter.  I certainly feel differently about them in light of this development, and from now on when I have the chance, Walgreen's will definitely receive my business!

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