Blue Cross of Idaho has decided not to keep Walgreens pharmacies in its network for prescription drugs and has raised the copay for Medicare Advantage prescriptions filled there, according to a letter sent to members and information on the Blue Cross of Idaho website.

Walgreens left the Blue Cross of Idaho network since Jan. 1, after the drug store chain decided not to re-sign its contract with Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefits manager for Blue Cross of Idaho. The health insurer said in a letter to members that allowing Walgreens back into the Blue Cross of Idaho network would result in higher fees that would be passed on to members.

"Blue Cross of Idaho made this decision as part of our continuing efforts to hold down the cost of healthcare," the insurer said on its website.

Members who fill prescriptions at Walgreens pharmacies will be charged full price and must file claims to be reimbursed, likely at a much lower rate, for the prescription.

Idahoans who are covered by Medicare Advantage plans under Blue Cross of Idaho can get their prescriptions filled at Walgreens pharmacies with an additional $2 copayment per prescription.

According to Blue Cross of Idaho, most members will find an in-network pharmacy within one or two miles of their local Walgreens drug store. All but 12 members have a Blue Cross of Idaho network pharmacy within five miles of their house, the insurer said in the letter.

Visit bcidaho.com or call Express Scripts at (877) 850-0180 to find a list of Blue Cross of Idaho network pharmacies.