Express Scripts Changes Retail Pharmacy Network

Express Scripts announced that it and Walgreens drug store chain have been unable to reach a contractual agreement, and therefore, as of 1 January 2009, will no longer be in the network used by the TRICARE Pharmacy plan.  Those beneficiaries filling a prescription at Walgreens after 31 December 2008 will pay 100 percent of the cost up-front and then file a claim for non-network benefit reimbursement.  Beneficiaries should have received a letter from Express Script Inc. (ESI), explaining the change in retail pharmacy network.  Beneficiaries with questions about the change should not contact ESI until they have received their letter, which will provide instructions for obtaining additional information.  Approximately 756,000 TRICARE beneficiaries will be affected by this change.