Let's take a look at what's happening in the world of pharmacy and healthcare.
First, NCPA Blasts CVS Caremark Move to Short-Circuit Class Action Case
The National Community Pharmacists Association has blasted a move by CVS Caremark, which is defending itself in a federal class action lawsuit by a small Iowa pharmacy, for its motion to compel the plaintiff into a one-sided arbitration proceeding.
In response to the lawsuit, CVS Caremark recently filed a motion to force the plaintiff, Osterhaus Pharmacy, into arbitration to settle the matter. To do so, Osterhaus would have to ante up $50,000 before an arbitrator will hear any aspect of the complaint.
“The barrier to entry and the one-sided arbitration rules are obscene,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, MBA. “It’s clearly designed to discourage small pharmacies from filing any complaints.”
Lawyers for Osterhaus say the CVS Caremark contract is, quote, “laden with unconscionable terms,” unquote. For example, there is the $50,000 escrow requirement just to get in front of an arbitrator and the requirement that independent pharmacies file their disputes separately, even if they’re all making the identical claim. That provision, said Hoey, ensures that small pharmacies can’t pool their resources and must therefore face the highest costs and procedural obstacles.
Other provisions limit the award arbitrators can order CVS Caremark to pay; limit the data and documents small pharmacies can seek during discovery; and require small pharmacies to pay CVS Caremark’s legal expenses if they don’t win the arbitration.
Next, CarelonRx Launches Digital Weight Management Program
CarelonRx, a PBM and home-delivery pharmacy, has announced a digital-first weight management program. This program aims to support members on their weight loss journeys, including those using GLP-1 medications.
Key features of the program include:
Digital coaching and wellness tools to help members manage and monitor weight goals.
Live human support that’s available both digitally and over the phone.
Behavioral health and social determinants of health screenings to ensure a holistic approach to wellness plans.
Among the program benefits are:
Simplified weight management that addresses the complexities of weight loss.
Personalized plans that consider individual needs and factors like pharmacy, medical data, and social determinants of health.
Care coordination that facilitates collaboration between various healthcare professionals.
A GLP-1 companion module that provides specific support for individuals using GLP-1 medications.
The program is available to ASO integrated clients.
Next, Automated Healthcare Solutions Becomes AdvancedRx, Strengthening Market Position
AdvancedRx Management and Automated Healthcare Solutions (AHCS) have merged, and will operate under the AdvancedRx brand, while leveraging the capabilities of the cutting-edge, ezDispense rules-based billing engine.
The new combined company offers:
An enhanced pharmacy services platform that combines the strengths of both companies and creates a more comprehensive solution for physicians.
Improved patient care that streamlines medication processing for patients.
A nationwide reach serving in-office dispensing, mail-order pharmacies, and wholesale repackaging services.
And Finally, Walgreens Expands Online Shopping Options for Medicare Advantage Members
Walgreens becomes the first community pharmacy to accept a broad array of Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits online and on their app. This allows eligible members to purchase around 1,700 items for shipping, pickup, or delivery.
Walgreens says that the new options are especially beneficial for homebound individuals or those with limited mobility.
They are designed to offer a seamless experience in which members can browse eligible products, select payment options using their Medicare Advantage card, and choose from various delivery and pickup options.
Additional benefits include Integration with existing offerings like senior day discounts and same-day delivery.
Members need to check with their plan providers or the phone number on their Medicare Advantage card to confirm online eligibility.
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News | NCPA on CVS Lawsuit , New Digital Weight Management App, Walgreens Medicare Advantage Options, and More