WellPoint Affiliates Launch Preferred Pharmacy Network for Most Medicare Plans

Press Release:

WellPoint Affiliates Launch Preferred Pharmacy Network for Most Medicare Plans

Members Can Save Money on Most Prescriptions at Kroger, Rite Aid, Walmart INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2013-- Most of WellPoint’s 2014 affiliated Medicare drug plans and medical plans with drug coverage will help members save money on their prescription medications through the use of a preferred pharmacy network. The preferred pharmacy network is composed of Kroger, Rite Aid and Walmart pharmacies and their affiliates, including the following: for Kroger, FredMeyer, King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s, Smith’s, Dillons, Ralphs, QFC, Baker’s, Scott’s, Owen’s, Pay Less, Gerbes and JayC; for Walmart, Walmart Neighborhood Market and Sam’s Club. Together, these pharmacies offer more than 11,000 locations nationwide. The preferred pharmacy network is part of all of WellPoint’s affiliated Part D standalone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and most of its affiliated Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD). Members may utilize any of the company’s retail network pharmacies. However, they will receive savings of around $5 to $8 per copay on most drugs (depending on plan type and drug tier) for using preferred network pharmacies. Additionally, all standalone PDP plans and a few MAPD plans will feature preferred generics for a $1 copayment. “Launching this preferred pharmacy network not only saves members on their drug purchases, which helps them improve their adherence and their health, but also allows WellPoint’s affiliates to offer standalone PDP plans with more attractive premiums than in years past,” said Leeba Lessin, executive vice president and president of WellPoint’s Medicare Programs. Representatives of WellPoint affiliates will staff booths at certain, high-volume locations of these stores during Medicare’s Annual Election Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7) to talk about and sell affiliated PDP and MAPD plans where applicable. Plans are effective Jan. 1, 2014. WellPoint affiliates currently serve more than 1.8 million Medicare members. Plans are sold under different brand names across the country. Many PDP plans, for instance, are sold under the UniCare brand. Consumers and affiliated plan members should visit their local brand’s Web site to learn more about the pharmacy network available in their area. About WellPoint Inc. At WellPoint, we believe there is an important connection between our members' health and well-being—and the value we bring our customers and shareholders. So each day we work to improve the health of our members and their communities. And, we can make a real difference since we have nearly 36 million people in our affiliated health plans, and nearly 68 million people served through our subsidiaries. As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, WellPoint serves members as the Blue Cross licensee for California; and as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (as the Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee in 10 New York City metropolitan and surrounding counties and as the Blue Cross or Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee in selected upstate counties only), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.), and Wisconsin. In a majority of these service areas, WellPoint's plans do business as Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, or Empire Blue Cross (in the New York service areas). We also serve customers in several additional states through our Amerigroup subsidiary and in certain markets through our CareMore subsidiary. Our 1-800 CONTACTS, Inc. subsidiary offers customers online sales of contact lenses, eyeglasses and other ocular products. Additional information about WellPoint is available at www.wellpoint.com . WellPoint affiliates are PPO plans, HMO plans and PDP plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in WellPoint affiliates depends on contract renewal. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on Jan. 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Other pharmacies are available in our network. Source: WellPoint Inc.