Upcoming closures of Rite Aid, Walgreens retail pharmacies

Rite Aid is closing hundreds of stores throughout the Midwest, and Walgreens announced plans to close some of its stores over the next three years. Thousands of affected members may need assistance finding a new pharmacy that’s in network with their Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network health plan.

Q. How can members find a new pharmacy?

A. For the information about their plan and benefits, members should log in to their member account, use the Blue Cross mobile app or call the number on the back of their member ID card.

The resources below are also available for members who need more assistance.

Blue Cross and BCN commercial members

• Visit the Find a Pharmacy webpage.
• Check out the list of Michigan Participating Commercial Retail Pharmacies.

Medicare Plus Blue℠ and BCN Advantage℠ members

For non-UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust members, Rite Aid and Walgreens offer lower copayments compared to standard pharmacies. Non-URMBT members who require assistance finding another pharmacy can use the following options:

• Transfer prescriptions to Optum Home Delivery by calling 1-855-810-0007.
• Find a local pharmacy by using the Find a Pharmacy webpage.

URMBT members who require assistance finding another preferred pharmacy can use the following options:

• Transfer prescriptions to Optum Home Delivery by calling 1-855-856-0537.
• Find a local pharmacy by using the Find a Pharmacy webpage.

Q. How will pharmacies communicate closures to members?

A. Rite Aid and Walgreens may transfer prescription files to a nearby store of the same chain or sell the files to a different retail pharmacy. Communication methods about the closure and prescription transfer will vary. It may include store signage or texts, letters or emails to affected members.  

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

A. Providers can help members by:

• Confirming the patient’s preferred pharmacy at every visit.
• When refilling prescriptions over the phone or by secure message, confirm the pharmacy, especially if it’s Rite Aid or Walgreens.
• Encouraging patients to use the Optum mail-order pharmacy and remind them of the benefits of this service, such as 90-day supply, delivery right to their home and automatic refills.

Q. What are Blue Cross and BCN doing to ensure members stay adherent to their medications when pharmacies close?

A. We have a list of upcoming and completed pharmacy closures and members who have prescriptions at these locations. Our pharmacy team will notify and help those members find a new pharmacy, if needed.