
Changes to CVS's network with BCBS can be confusing and frustrating.
BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield) is a large health insurance network with various local plans.
Some BCBS plans may have CVS in their network, while others may not.
BCBS plans can change their networks at any time, so it's essential to verify CVS's participation with your specific plan.
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CVS and BCBS Relationship
CVS has a complex relationship with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), with multiple plans and networks involved. CVS operates a large network of pharmacies, making it a significant player in the healthcare industry.
BCBS has a national network of over 96,000 pharmacies, including CVS locations. CVS is a participating pharmacy in the BCBS network.
BCBS members can fill prescriptions at CVS pharmacies, but the coverage and costs may vary depending on the specific plan and location.
BCBS Dropping CVS from Network
BCBSTX, the Texas branch of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, dropped CVS from its pharmacy network in 2017, effective January 1st. This change impacted fully insured group and retail market members, but not Medicaid or Medicare plans at the time.
BCBSTX made this decision after CVS requested a higher reimbursement rate for generic prescriptions, which was not competitive with other pharmacies in Prime Therapeutics' network. As a result, CVS pharmacies and those in Target stores were no longer part of the standard pharmacy network.
Members who were affected by this change were notified in October 2016, with a letter providing information on how to find an alternative network pharmacy and transfer their prescriptions. The letter also informed them that they would have access to more than 55,000 nationwide pharmacies in network, including major chains like Walgreens, Walmart, and Kroger.
BCBSTX's decision to drop CVS from its network was part of its ongoing efforts to maintain affordable benefits for its members. The company worked closely with Prime Therapeutics to ensure that the remaining pharmacies in network met the necessary standards, including exceeding network adequacy standards set by Texas in every county where they have a presence.
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BCBSTX Network Details
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) network is a large and diverse group of healthcare providers.
BCBSTX has a network of over 90,000 healthcare providers statewide, including primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
You can find a doctor or hospital in the BCBSTX network by using the online provider directory or by calling the customer service number.
BCBSTX has a large network of hospitals, with over 200 hospitals participating in the network statewide.
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Pharmacy Network Information
Blue Shield of California has two pharmacy network types: Rx Ultra and Rx Spectrum. CVS is a preferred pharmacy in the Rx Spectrum network.
The Rx Ultra network is available to Individual and Family Plans, Covered California plans, most Small Business plans, and most Large Group plans. You can visit any participating network pharmacy and pay the copay or coinsurance listed in your benefits.
CVS is not part of the preferred pharmacy network for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. This change affects 390,000 Alabamians who use CVS Pharmacy and may pay a higher co-pay amount for their medications.
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If your plan has a deductible, it could impact how much you pay for prescriptions. You can get an extended supply of maintenance medications from any participating network pharmacy.
You can find participating network pharmacies in your area on the Blue Cross website. Affected Blue Cross customers in Alabama are being advised to transfer their medication to a participating network pharmacy.
For your interest: Bcbs Preferred Pharmacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance company does CVS use?
CVS health insurance plans are offered or administered by various Aetna insurance companies, including Aetna Health of California Inc. and Aetna Life Insurance Company.
Sources
- https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/home/be-well/pharmacy/our-pharmacy-network
- https://www.anthem.com/ms/pharmacyinformation/rxnetworks.html
- https://www.properlyprotected.com/blog/2016/08/29/bcbstx-drops-cvs/
- https://www.al.com/news/2017/01/cvs_no_longer_part_of_blue_cro.html
- https://www.azblue.com/pharmacy
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