Walgreens Pharmacies postpones withdrawal from Washington Medicaid program

Walgreens (NYSE: WAG)(NASDAQ: WAG) will continue filling Medicaid prescriptions at its Washington state pharmacies through March 15. The company, which operates 121 pharmacies in Washington, announced on Jan. 13 it would stop filling Medicaid prescriptions in 64 of its stores because of continued reduction in reimbursement under the State of Washington Medicaid program. The decision to delay the withdrawal from the program comes as constructive talks continue between the state and the company.

“We’re encouraged by the state’s willingness to continue working with us to find a solution that will allow all of our stores to continue serving our Medicaid patients”

“We’re encouraged by the state’s willingness to continue working with us to find a solution that will allow all of our stores to continue serving our Medicaid patients,” said Kermit Crawford, Walgreens senior vice president of pharmacy. “We recognize the budget challenges the administration and the Legislature face and we’re optimistic that our continued talks will result in a solution that will provide the savings the state is looking for, while allowing pharmacies to maintain service for those patients with the most need and the fewest options.”

"I appreciate Walgreens decision to delay any withdrawal from Medicaid, and the thoughtful ideas they've brought to us for reducing overall pharmacy costs,” said Susan Dreyfus, secretary of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. “I am committed to working constructively with them, the entire pharmacy community, and the Legislature on further strategies that will allow us to meet the needs of our Medicaid enrollees within a very difficult budget environment."