Express Scripts pharmacy network changing for TRICARE beneficiaries

Express Scripts Inc. officials announced upcoming changes to the retail pharmacy network it manages on behalf of TRICARE.  On Dec. 1, Walgreens pharmacy locations will join the network.  CVS pharmacies, including those in Target stores, will leave the network on the same day.

The new network will have more than 57,000 locations nationwide, and ensures TRICARE beneficiaries have timely access to retail pharmacies in their community.

Express Scripts Inc., or ESI, is the TRICARE pharmacy contractor responsible for developing the pharmacy network. ESI reached a new network agreement with Walgreens, which will replace CVS pharmacy in the TRICARE network. This change is intended to provide better value and maintain convenient access for beneficiaries, said officials.

The addition of Walgreens into the network means that 98 percent of TRICARE beneficiaries will still have a network pharmacy within 5 miles of their home, according to officials. Beneficiaries can find a network pharmacy at ESI’s website.

If beneficiaries chose to fill a prescription at CVS after Dec. 1, it will be a non-network pharmacy. This means they will have to pay the full cost of the medication upfront, and file for partial reimbursement.

ESI and TRICARE are working to notify all beneficiaries of this change, and ensure that people currently using CVS have time to switch to another network pharmacy. ESI is doing additional outreach to patients filling specialty drugs at CVS pharmacies to ensure they can move their prescription with no gap in their prescription coverage.

Visit the ESI website for more information on this change.