Important Pharmacy Updates from Blue Shield of California

Important updates regarding Blue Shield of California’s pharmacy benefits. 

Amazon Pharmacy prescription home delivery

Amazon Pharmacy will replace CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy as their new prescription home delivery service. This change means a smoother, digital-first experience. Blue Shield members currently receiving prescriptions via mail will be provided information on how to seamlessly transfer this service to Amazon Pharmacy.  

Please note that members will continue to have access to a wide network of independent, regional and national chain pharmacies (more than 62,000 pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Sav-On, RiteAid). 

New ID cards 

Blue Shield members will receive new ID cards with updated pharmacy details, accompanied by instructions to bring their new ID card to the pharmacy at their next visit. Updated ID cards can be accessed through the member's online myblueshield account and via the Blue Shield mobile app. Group administrators can also view and download ID cards when logged into Employer Connection.  

Pharmacy digital experience enhancements

Here are some of our latest digital enhancements to improve members’ experience with their pharmacy benefits: 

• Price Check My Rx for cost comparisons 
• Notifications for lower-cost alternatives 
• Spending tracker to monitor expenses 
• Pharmacy locator for easy access to nearby pharmacies 

These enhancements are summarized in this short video. 

Pharmacy changes at-a-glance: 
 

Program/Feature	Description	No change	New
Member ID cards	New ID cards with updated pharmacy information will be distributed to commercial group members; see next slide for timetable ID cards will be mailed to members or available through the Blue Shield mobile app		✓
Retail pharmacy network	Members will continue to have access to our expansive network, which includes all major retail chains (Walgreens, CVS, Target, Safeway, Vons, Costco) and local pharmacies	✓
Mail order prescription delivery	Amazon Pharmacy home delivery begins 1/1/2025 Active members with CVS Caremark Mail Services will be notified of the transition to Amazon Pharmacy starting October 2024 Members will have phone access to pharmacists 24/7 through Amazon Pharmacy		✓
Specialty network	CVS will continue to provide specialty pharmacy services	✓
Member online account	Redesigned member pharmacy online account will be available with new tools making it easier for members to understand benefits and find affordable drugs		✓
Formulary	No formulary changes specific to Pharmacy Care Reimagined Formulary changes are made routinely based on the latest medical literature, clinical guidelines, and information from the Food and Drug Administration	✓
Filling prescriptions	No disruptions to current prescriptions, refills, or prior authorizations (other than mail order, as noted above)	✓
Customer Service	No changes to customer support; any direct pharmacy questions should still go to local retailers or Amazon Pharmacy for mail order concerns.	✓