​As Rite Aid faces closures across its pharmacy locations, health care providers are urged to immediately redirect new and recurring prescriptions to ensure uninterrupted care for Independence Blue Cross (IBX) members.

Providing patient support through this transition

• Do not send new or recurring prescriptions to Rite Aid: Starting August 1, 2025, all new or recurring scripts should be directed to an alternative commercial in-network pharmacy. This proactive step will help ensure patients can continue to access their medications without delay or interruption.
• Explore in-network pharmacy options: Providers are encouraged to work with patients to identify nearby in-network pharmacy options that are convenient for them. A full list of commercial in-network pharmacies is available to streamline this transition.
• Consider mail order for maintenance medications: For patients with 90-day maintenance medications, mail-order services remain a convenient and cost-effective alternative. They're convenient, cost-effective, and allow patients to have their medications delivered to their home.

Patients currently receiving 90-day refills from Rite Aid retail locations will need to transition to another in-network pharmacy for their prescriptions.

Preferred pharmacies for Medicare Advantage members

Medicare Advantage members with IBX prescription coverage can save money by using preferred pharmacies, though Rite Aid will be removed from the preferred pharmacy list.

Preferred pharmacies include:

• OptumRx Mail Order
• CVS
• Giant
• ShopRite
• Target
• Wegmans
• Select independent pharmacies

Your patients (our members) can easily locate a preferred pharmacy by visiting our Pharmacy Locator.

Upcoming changes to commercial benefits

Looking ahead, commercial benefits and the pharmacy network will be updated effective August 1, 2025, to better align with patient needs and pharmacy options.

Providers play a critical role in guiding patients through this change. Clear communication is essential to help patients understand their pharmacy options, including convenient mail-order services and in-network alternatives.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to ensuring seamless care for patients during this period of transition.

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