CVS Out of BCBS Alabama Network but Does Not Affect PIPA Policies

While some Blue Cross and Blue Shield customers in Alabama will no longer be able to use CVS for their prescription drugs, the Medical Association members who have PIPA policies will not be affected.

CVS is no longer in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Alabama preferred network for certain plans, and according to the company, the change will affect some 13 percent (about 390,000), of the 2.69 million Blue Cross customers in Alabama. The change was made through the insurer and its pharmacy benefit manager, Prime Therapeutics.

Blue Cross spokeswoman Koko Mackin said the change was made to help offset the continuous rise in prescription drug costs and provide customers with the best price.

CVS has responded to the change noting that it was not the company’s “desire or decision” to be excluded from any pharmacy network.

“CVS Pharmacy continues to accept all commercial plans offered by BCBS Alabama, which are typically through large employers and other groups of over 50 participants,” said Gary Serby, Director of Corporate Communications for CVS. “CVS Pharmacy also continues to accept all BCBS Alabama Medicare Part D plans.”

The change does not affect Medicare members who have drug coverage through Blue Cross. The Medical Association’s PIPA policyholders are also unaffected by the change.