Express Scripts’ drug pricing model is unsustainable for Kroger and consumers; Access to affordable prescriptions and wellness services remains the company’s top priority
CINCINNATI, September 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. KR, Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) yesterday provided a written notice of its intention to terminate its commercial pharmacy provider agreement. Since February, Kroger has tried dozens of times to negotiate in good faith with ESI — in search of a more equitable and fair treaty that reduces costs, improves access, and provides more transparency — but to date, it has made little to no progress given.
“Kroger is doing everything we can to deliver greater value to our customers and weather this sustained period of record inflation. We do not believe that Kroger customers will have to pay higher costs to increase Express Scripts’ profits,” he said Colleen LindholzPresident of Kroger Health.
“We have taken the necessary step to announce our intention to terminate our agreement with Express Scripts as the current agreement does not allow Kroger to improve access to healthcare, provide greater pricing transparency and price our more than Keeping 17 million patients affordable. To date, our efforts to negotiate in good faith have not resulted in an agreement in the best interests of our customers — particularly military members and their families who receive Tricare benefits — that will protect them from rising costs amid record inflation. Kroger remains willing to negotiate any contract with Express Scripts that results in a fair, transparent agreement at a rate that benefits everyone – especially our customers – and prevents any disruption to services.”
Why is Kroger taking this step now?
- Kroger Health is proud to offer its 17 million patients pharmacy services that improve their health, well-being and nutrition.
- Any new agreement would have to improve access, more…
