No. Only Direct MAP clients (e.g., uninsured clients picking up medications at LHDs/other designated sites) are affected by this transition. 

No. Direct MAP clients (e.g., uninsured clients picking up medications at LHDs/other designated sites) must use Walgreens pharmacies to access their medications. If clients do not want to physically go to a Walgreens location, they can elect to use the mail delivery option. 

Walgreens has not identified the stores for closure across the nation.  As those locations are identified, VA MAP will work with Ramsell and Walgreens to determine what the impact may be for clients. 

If a Direct MAP client (e.g., uninsured clients picking up medications at LHDs/other designated sites) has a prescription with refills, DPS (Division of Pharmacy Services) will transfer that prescription to Walgreens automatically. 

As of 2/1/2025, all new prescriptions must be sent to Walgreens by the provider. 

FedEx Shipping Service 

The goal of the transition is to minimize disruption in prescription dispensing and to increase access to prescription services provided by the VA MAP.  Service issues should be addressed and resolved with the Walgreens pharmacy.  If there are issues that are not resolved and/or the VA MAP client would like to file a formal complaint, the client can contact Ramsell Corporation at 1-888-311-7632. 

Yes, a case manager can be on the call.  HIPAA practices will be maintained during the call with verification from the client that they consent to the case manager being present on the call. 

There are no drug access limitations at the new Walgreens pharmacies.  All drugs available on the VA MAP formulary will be available for dispensing to eligible Direct MAP clients from Walgreens. 

If the client has a prescription fill/refill, the client should call the designated Walgreens Pharmacy (16570) at 757-278-2577.  This pharmacy will get the client profile set up for ongoing prescription dispensing. 

For more efficient service, the VDH MAP prescription benefit ID card should be presented to the Walgreens pharmacy.  This card contains important billing information the Walgreens’ pharmacy will use to process the prescription fill.  Clients can access medication services if they do not have a card.   Walgreens can access the Ramsell billing information by obtaining some demographic information from the client.  

If an early refill is needed, the client should request the early refill from their dispensing Walgreens pharmacy.  Call the pharmacy phone number located on the prescription bottle and request an early refill.  The pharmacy will seek an authorization approval for the early refill from the VDH MAP pharmacy benefit administrator (Ramsell Corporation).  The pharmacy will let the client know if the early refill request has been approved/denied. If the medication bottle is not available, call Ramsell Corporation at 1-888-311-7632 to request the dispensing pharmacy information. 

If a prescription refill is expected to be shipped (mailed/delivered) to the Direct MAP client and is not received, the client should call the dispensing Walgreens pharmacy.  If the client is unsure of dispensing pharmacies’ phone number, the client can call the designated Walgreens pharmacy at 757-278-2577 to receive assistance with the shipment.  

Once the prescription has been filled by Walgreens, the Direct MAP client should call the pharmacy phone number that is located on the medication bottle for any pharmacy and prescription refill support. 

New prescriptions written/filled on and after 2/1/2025 should be sent to Walgreens.  For electronic prescriptions (e-prescribing) prescribers should send new prescriptions to the designated Walgreens pharmacy location (16570), telephone number 757-278-2577. 

Information sessions are being held over the coming weeks (listed below).  One session is co-sponsored with the Virginia Consumer Advisory Committee (VACAC) and is for clients only. Registration is required for this session.  The other sessions are open to clients, clinicians/providers, case managers, and other community partners.  The VA MAP will add additional sessions if needed and place the session information on the website.