Walgreens, CVS join network

Walgreens and CVS pharmacy locations now participate in SFM’s prescription benefit management program.

The extensive pharmacy network, administered by St. Louis-based Express Scripts, includes nearly 2,000 pharmacies throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, including other large chains such as Wal-Mart, Target, Snyders, Cub Foods and Rainbow.

With the addition of Walgreens and CVS, the pharmacy network has the potential to cover 95 percent of claimants’ prescriptions, excluding first fills.

SFM reduces claims medical costs through the negotiated lower prices charged by pharmacies participating in the network.

In Minnesota, claimants are required by law to use network pharmacies if located within 15 miles of his or her residence. In Wisconsin, using the network is voluntary.

An email announcing the addition of these two pharmacy chains was sent to policyholders in late November.