Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., has announced a new agreement with Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefit manager for Cigna's Evernorth.
The agreement resumes service for customers participating in Express Scripts' Medicare Part D plans and Tricare Department of Defense plans. The new agreement allows Kroger pharmacies to serve more customers, including those with Medicare, Tricare and Medicaid.
Additionally, it gives Express Scripts commercial and Medicaid customers access to prescription medications and healthcare services through the Kroger Family of Pharmacies. Collectively, these plans cover more than 100 million people in the United States.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Two years ago, Kroger ended its agreement with Express Scripts due to an unsustainable pricing model, according to Reuters.
Later in 2022, Kroger entered into a contract with Prime Therapeutics, the PBM owned by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
THE LARGER TREND
Kroger Health serves more than 17 million patients annually. Kroger Family of Pharmacies operate more than 2,200 pharmacies across 35 states.
Kroger's The Little Clinic offers telehealth services in nine states and operates more than 220 in-person clinics in eight states.
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org