[October 25, 2011]

Walgreens has announced its intention to leave the Express Scripts pharmacy network that provides prescription services for UC's Anthem plan, effective Jan. 1, 2012.  UC's Anthem plans include Anthem Blue Cross PLUS, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Anthem Lumenos PPO + HRA, Core and High Option.

For UC members, this means that after January 1, 2012 Walgreens will be an out-of-network provider with higher charges for prescription drugs. Members may continue to receive in-network coverage for medicine from Walgreens and its sister stores (Duane Reade, OptionCare and Happy Harry’s) through Dec. 31, 2011.

Anthem's pharmacy network will still have more than 56,000 drug stores in its network, including chains such as CVS, Target and Wal-Mart, as well as many local independent drug stores.

Anthem has provided answers to frequently asked questions to help members who use Walgreens find a new pharmacy.

Anthem plan participants can call the pharmacy customer service number on their ID cards for more information.

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