Walgreens, Express Scripts partner on 90-day Rxs

Walgreens this week announced its Smart90 program, which will allow Express Scripts customers the option of receiving a 90-day supply of some medications either through the mail or in-store.

The program is designed to lower costs for people with chronic diseases such as diabetes who require long-term treatment with maintenance medications. The Smart90 option will be available as early as January 2014.

“Working together with Express Scripts, Smart90 Walgreens will offer more pharmacy locations and better member access coverage than any single retail chain 90-day maintenance medication solution in the nation,” said Kermit Crawford, president of Walgreens pharmacy, health and wellness. “Through Smart90 Walgreens, our more than 8,000 Walgreens retail pharmacies will provide plan sponsors with cost savings and will offer their members safe, easy, and convenient access to important in-person pharmacist consultations and a wide-range of health and wellness services that can further improve medication adherence and lower overall healthcare costs.”

An Express Scripts official said 90-day prescriptions improve health outcomes. “Our data are clear: 90-day prescriptions delivered to a member’s home improve medication adherence and health outcomes, lower the cost of care, and add convenience when compared to 30-day prescriptions,” said Glen Stettin, MD, senior vice president of research and new solutions at Express Scripts.