Senator Sampson Calls on Walgreens to Continue to Supply Low-Income Communities with Affordable Prescription Drugs

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senate Democratic Leader John L. Sampson (D-Brooklyn-19) has written to Gregory Wasson, the President and CEO of Walgreens Inc., expressing his dismay about the cancellation of an in-house program which made prescription drug coverage more affordable for many of the low-income and minority communities in which they do business. 

Walgreens has administered the program through Express Scripts, a low-cost drug insurance program, giving individuals in need access to affordable drugs. Now, in what appears to be an effort to improve its bottom line, Walgreens has decided to end this policy, leaving many New Yorkers at risk.

"We have worked long and hard to ensure that residents in the state of New York do not have to choose between putting food on their tables and paying for life saving prescription medications," Senator Sampson said. "They deserve both. Walgreens, through this program, has long proven to be a partner willing to go above and beyond in these efforts which is why this sudden turnaround in their company policy is so disconcerting."
 
"I have personally appealed in writing to Mr. Wasson, the president of Walgreens, to reconsider this action, and to continue his company's history of goodwill toward the residents of the state of New York during these difficult economic times. If Walgreens can negotiate a continuance of their contract with Express Scripts to maintain the current level of service to our local communities we can protect the underserved from being further negatively impacted at a time when they can least afford it," concluded Senator Sampson.

SOURCE New York State Senator John Sampson