Express Scripts and Walgreens have finally reached an agreement for Walgreens to participate as an in-network retail pharmacy with Anthem, and, as a result, Anthem members will be able to use their pharmacy benefit at Walgreens stores beginning Sept. 15, 2012.

What does this mean for Anthem members?

Effective September 15, 2012, new and existing members, including those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid plans, will have Walgreens as one of their in-network pharmacies to choose from. This development gives our members access to more than 64,000 in-network retail pharmacies across the country.

We are working with Express Scripts to ensure a smooth transition for our members who may wish to transfer their prescriptions to Walgreens. In most cases, members may simply take their medicine bottle to the new drug store and the drug store will transfer the prescription. In some states, including New York, and for some medications, members will need to ask their doctor to call the new drug store with the prescription details.  Members can also continue to use their current pharmacy. 

For clients that have pharmacy network performance guarantees as part of their contract, those guarantees will continue to be honored. 

We have prepared some frequently asked questions to address questions that you or others may have. Please contact your Shirazi Benefits Account Manager with any additional questions.

Influenza, most commonly known as "the flu," is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can even lead to death. Because germs are easily spread in the workplace, the flu can have a significant impact on a company's workforce - high absenteeism as well as low overall productivity. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. 

The CDC recommends that everyone who is at least 6 months of age received a flu shot as early as the flu season begins, which is unpredictable, but typically as early as October as it It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

If you have not yet participated in our 2012 Webinar Series, we still have an entire lineup filled with great presentations for the remainder of the year, and into 2013.  All webinars in the series are provided at no cost to you and are even Insurance CE, HRCI & SHRM credit eligible!

You can view the entire series line-up by visiting our Live Webinar Series page on our website. Once registration is open, you will notice a "Register Now" link below the title on this page. 

And if you missed a prior webinar that you'd like to listen in on, we have you covered! Be sure to visit our Webinar Archives to listen in on all previous recorded webinars.

Along with changes to the health insurance system that guarantee access to coverage to everyone regardless of pre-existing health conditions, the Affordable Care Act includes a requirement that many people be insured or pay a penalty. This simple flowchart illustrates how that requirement (sometimes known as an "individual mandate") works.

The Affordable Care Act does not require businesses to provide health benefits to their workers, but larger employers face penalties starting in 2014 if they don't make affordable coverage available. This simple flowchart illustrates how those employer responsibilities work.