Have You Heard About this Mess?

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

I have to confess (seems I'm confessing a lot lately) that insurance companies, doctors and all the headaches that come along with them generally frustrate me. The latest issue is the whole deal with Walgreens and Express Script.

Recently there has been a big buzz about the fact that Express Scripts let their contract with Walgreens expire because Walgreens wouldn't agree to accept less money for per prescription or let them dictate which drugs were generic and which were name brand. I have to admit that if I was Walgreens I wouldn't want to do that either. If they weren't asking to raise the prices, I don't understand why Express Script thought it was justified in trying to lower the rate they currently pay. They weren't passing those savings on to their customers, so it was just lining their pockets, apparently.

The saddest part is that in the end it affects the customer negatively. People who fill all of their prescriptions at the same pharmacy with the same pharmacist who knows them by name are having to completely change their processes and habits. How many accidents do you think will happen as all of those people adjust to a new pharmacy, a new pharmacist, different bottles, instructions in different places, etc.

The nice thing is that Walgreens is offering a special discount during the month of January on a membership to the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. Normally $35 for a family, until the end of the month you can get a family membership for just $10. This membership allows you to save on over 8,000 brand name and all generic medications. You also get discounts on flu shots, nebulizers, and even prescriptions for your pet if you need them. We aren't Express Script members and we are still considering joining. As expensive as prescriptions are - even with insurance - every little bit helps.

You can learn more and check out the other deals and sales by following Walgreens on Twitter or liking Walgreens on Facebook.