Changes to Walgreens Balance Rewards program

Walgreens is making some changes to the Balance Rewards program including the amount of points customers earn for filling prescriptions. Some customers will earn more with these changes. Some will actually earn less. Read on for the details.

Posted 7:28 p.m. Feb 3, 2015 — Updated 7:52 p.m. Feb 3, 2015

While checking out at Walgreens today, I received a notice that there are changes coming in May to the Balance Rewards program, based on customer feedback. The changes mostly involve the pharmacy.

Those on Medicare and Medicaid will be happy to know that they will be able to earn reward points on prescriptions once the changes go into effect. Unfortunately, the changes will actually reduce the number of points many other customers will receive for filling prescriptions.

The following changes are effective as of 5/31/15.

All Balance Rewards members will be able to earn:

- 100 points per prescription or immunization (the current program offers 500 points per prescription or immunization but excludes those on Medicare and Medicaid )

- 300 points for 90-day prescriptions

- Up to 50,000 points per year on pharmacy transactions

Those on Medicare and Medicaid will be able to earn points on prescriptions (the current program does not allow those on Medicare and Medicaid to earn points on prescriptions).

This summer, there will be a new way to earn more points, but they are not sharing what that new option is at this time. If you go to their website and activate your digital membership, you will receive updates via e-mail.

You can hear the details about the changes when you call 866-773-0145. The information was also on their website, but it appears to have been removed.

Do you currently fill prescriptions at Walgreens? How do you feel about the changes?

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