Small and family-owned pharmacies are being left out of a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina initiative to help members buy healthcare-related items, according to The News & Observer.
In September, BCBSNC said it would issue $200 million in debit cards to members to help them buy medication and food during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cards, sent to 600,000 members, can be used at retailers like Walmart, CVS Health and Family Dollar to buy over-the-counter drugs, baby care items, vitamins and other items. Prescription drugs aren't included in the benefit.
However, this incentive is pushing people who normally use family-owned and independent pharmacies to bigger retailers, the smaller pharmacies told The News & Observer. Darius Russell, who owns a small pharmacy in Durham, N.C., received a card himself but can't use it at his store.
"It's just money walking out the door," he told the publication.
A BCBSNC spokesperson told The News & Observer that the insurance company is talking with independent retailers about how they can join the insurer's network.