By George Anderson
You've probably seen the commercial where a ton of bricks is dropped in the flatbed of a pickup truck to demonstrate its ruggedness and strength.
Today, Walgreens management may be feeling like something was dropped on them after learning General Motors Corp will no longer permit many of the 1.1 million employees, retirees and eligible dependents to fill their prescriptions at the drugstore chain.
The Detroit News reports Medco Health Services, which manages GM's prescription plan, is requiring members who need to take medications for long periods to order them through mail order services.
Walgreens and other drugstores, chains and independents alike, have continued to see market share of the prescription business shift to mail order. Many have moved into mail order themselves, including Walgreens with its Walgreens Mail Service.
The chain, however, has opposed mandatory requirements for consumers to use mail order services. As an alternative, the company's pharmacy benefits manager program, Walgreens Health Initiatives, began offering Advantage 90, an in-store prescription service that would allow consumers to get their medicines for long-term use in the store at a savings.
Back in December in a released statement, Dennis O'Dell, Walgreens vice president of pharmacy services, said, "For some patients, ordering a 90-day supply through the mail works well and is a good option. But for others, mail service isn't as convenient or they prefer face-to-face interaction with their local pharmacist. That's why Walgreens believes patients should have the option of getting their 90-day refill through either a mail service or retail pharmacy."
Moderator's Comment: What is your reaction to this story and its implications for the retail pharmacy business? - George Anderson - Moderator