The end of a multiyear agreement between Express Scripts and Walmart means that service members who receive health insurance through TRICARE cannot fill prescriptions at Walmart.
The move is effective Dec. 15 and aligns with the addition of CVS Pharmacy to the TRICARE retail pharmacy network, KNWA/FOX24 News reported Nov. 11.
"Aligned with the best interests of TRICARE and its beneficiaries, Express Scripts provides pharmacy network services that create an affordable, simple and predictable experience without compromising access or quality," Express Scripts told KNWA/FOX24 News. "We will make sure beneficiaries who currently use Walmart pharmacies are able to easily fill their prescriptions at one of our many other convenient, in-network pharmacies."
Walmart told KNWA/FOX24 News that the move followed a recent agreement signed Sept. 30, which would have extended the entities' partnership.
"We value our Tricare and DOD customers and are disappointed in Express Script's decision and we have requested more information from them to understand their decision," Walmart said in a statement. "We have asked Express Scripts to honor the agreement we both recently signed. We know many members of the military, veterans and their families rely on Walmart for convenient access to affordable prescriptions and this decision will limit their options."