WAG, ESI mutually dismiss legal proceedings; WAG extends agreement with PBM OptumRx
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday confirmed its legal dispute with Express Scripts has been mutually dropped in what many analysts are heralding as the beginning of the end of the Walgreens-Express Scripts dispute of 2012.
“The parties have agreed to dismiss their respective claims, and no other action has been or will be taken by either party with respect to this case," Walgreens said. "These dismissals have no impact on the parties’ ability or inability to come to terms on a pharmacy agreement. The parties and their counsel will have no further comment on this matter.”
In separate-yet-related news, Walgreens announced the extension of a multiyear agreement with OptumRx, one of the largest pharmacy benefit managers in the United States. “We help drive down total healthcare costs through our industry-leading generic dispensing and conversion rates and our broad range of additional clinical services and advice that help improve patient care and health outcomes. We are pleased that OptumRx recognizes the service and value we bring to its clients," the pharmacy retailer stated in a separate release issued Monday morning.
“Walgreens offers both the pharmacy and overall health care value sought by PBMs like OptumRx who are developing differentiated member services and benefits for their clients,” added Kermit Crawford, Walgreens president of pharmacy, health and wellness. “We help drive down total health care costs through our industry-leading generic dispensing and conversion rates and our broad range of additional clinical services and advice that help improve patient care and health outcomes. We are pleased that OptumRx recognizes the service and value we bring to its clients.”
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