You may have received a letter from Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefit manager that administers the TRICARE benefit, that Norland Avenue Pharmacy will no longer be in the network. This announcement may leave you asking, “What happened?”
Recently, the Department of Defense (DOD) awarded a $4 billion contract to Express Scripts and, at the same time, reduced the size of the retail pharmacy network. Express Scripts, which owns its own mail-order and specialty pharmacy and is a direct competitor to independent pharmacies, slashed payments to community pharmacies. The reduced payments make it nearly impossible for us to be able to participate and serve our military and their families. This action will take pharmacy choice away from you and from many other active and retired military families.
If you are as disappointed as we are about this situation, consider submitting a complaint about your pharmacy of choice being excluded from the TRICARE network by calling 1-877-363-1303 or sending an email to DOD.customer.relations@express-scripts.com. You can also contact your U.S. senators and representative. Look up their contact information at https://bit.ly/fight4rx-legislators.
While we would love to continue to serve you, we understand that cost plays a large role in your pharmacy choice. Ask us about options to purchase prescriptions off of your insurance. In some cases, the cash price may be lower than your copay.
Again, we are very saddened by this turn of events. We hope to be able to continue to serve you.
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.