January 12, 2023
Kroger pharmacies ended their agreement with Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) effective January 1, 2023. Express Scripts is the pharmacy benefit manager for much of LifeWise of Washington Health Plan membership, providing online prescription and pharmacy services to LifeWise members.
The following pharmacies are under the Kroger umbrella* and no longer in-network effective January 1, 2023:
| Baker’s Pharmacy | City Market | Copps Food Center Pharmacy |
| Dillon Pharmacy | Fred Meyer Pharmacy | Fry's Pharmacy |
| Gene Maddy | Gerbes Pharmacy | Harris Teeter Pharmacy |
| Jay C Plus Pharmacy | King Sooper Pharmacy | Mariano's Pharmacy |
| Metro Market Pharmacy | Owen's Pharmacy | Payless Pharmacy |
| Pick N Save Pharmacy | Postal Prescription Srvs | QFC Pharmacy |
| Ralph's Pharmacy | Scott's Pharmacy | Smith's Food And Drug; Smith's Pharmacy |
| Kroger Specialty Infusion | Kroger Specialty Pharmacy | Axium Healthcare De Puerto Rico |
For many members, this means that Kroger pharmacy claims will now be rejected at the pharmacy counter. Those with out-of-network pharmacy coverage can choose to pay out-of-pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement. We encourage members to sign in to the LifeWise member portal to find other local, in-network pharmacy options.
LifeWise members can also take advantage of mail-order prescriptions with Express Scripts.
*Any added impact caused by Kroger’s plans to merge with Albertsons is unknown. The deal is not expected to close until early 2024, pending regulatory and anti-trust review.