OSP News

Upcoming Pharmacy Closure

Posted: 09/04/2024

July 2024, Rite Aid pharmacy announced the upcoming closure of hundreds of store locations throughout the Midwest. Additionally, Walgreens announced anticipated store closures over the next 3 years. Thousands of members will be impacted by these closures, and may need assistance finding a new pharmacy. BCBSM has put together a brief guide to assist physicians and patients in this transitional time: 

How can members get assistance in finding a new pharmacy from BCBSM?

For non-UAW Trust members, Rite Aid/Walgreens are preferred pharmacies and offer lower copays compared to a standard pharmacy. Members who require assistance finding another preferred pharmacy can utilize the following options:

  1. Transfer prescriptions to Optum Home Delivery by calling 855-810-0007
  2. Click here to find a local pharmacy by using the online pharmacy finder tool

For UAW Trust members:

  1. Transfer prescriptions to Optum Home Delivery by calling 855-856-0537
  2. Click here to find a local pharmacy by using the online pharmacy finder tool

How are members educated on the pharmacy closures from the pharmacy?

Rite Aid and Walgreens may transfer prescription files from the closed location to another nearby store of the same chain, or sell the files to a different retail pharmacy. 

Member notification of the pharmacy closure and prescription transfer will vary and may include communication through store signage and/or directly to the member (ie. Letters, emails, text messages). 

How are EMRs updated?

Pharmacy partners maintain their store list, including updates for openings/closures, in the intermediary (e.g., Surescripts) directory, and the intermediary publishes any changes to the EHR partners daily.

How can providers and offices help members to stay adherent to their medications when pharmacies close?

  • Confirm the patient’s preferred pharmacy at every visit
  • When refilling prescriptions over the phone or via secure message, be sure to confirm pharmacy, especially if it is a Rite-Aid or Walgreens pharmacy
  • Encourage patients to utilize the Optum mail order pharmacy and remind them of the benefits of use, i.e. 90-day supply, delivery right to their home, auto-refill, etc. 

What is BCBSM doing to ensure members stay adherent to their medications when pharmacies close?

We have a list of upcoming and complete pharmacy closures and members who have current prescriptions at these locations. If these members are included in ongoing outreach, our pharmacy team will work with them to notify them of the closure and help them find a new pharmacy, if needed.  

We will update you when we have additional information about the affected pharmacies and patients. Please reach out to your OSP representative if you have any questions in the meantime. 

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