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CarelonRx Will Launch Digital Pharmacy in 2024
CarelonRx says it will be able provide optimal support for members because, as a PBM, it as able to communicate directly with members’ providers.
On Jan. 1, 2024, CarelonRx, the PBM division of Carelon, will launch a digital pharmacy for maintnance medications. Called CarelonRx Pharmacy, it will allow members to receive maintenance medication prescriptions delivered to the home. Members will also have access to pharmacists via text, chat, or phone 24/7, be able compare costs of medications, and track the status of medications throughout the order process.
CarelonRx Pharmacy aims to improve adherence and lower costs. CarelonRx data shows that when members use home delivery versus in-person retail, there is an increase in medication adherence with anxiety, depression, and antipsychotic medications, the company said in a press release.
A company spokesperson indicated that as a pharmacy benefit manager, CarelonRx is able communicate directly with members’ providers and have a full picture of members’ medical and pharmacy needs to be able to provide optimal support.
Also launching in 2024 is EnsureRx, CarelonRx’s cost savings program for commercial members. It will automatically compare prices of select covered generic medications against a variety of cash discount cards and apply the lowest cost for consumers at the pharmacy counter.
Recent data shows that 39% of people with commercial insurance used a discount card at the pharmacy instead of their insurance. EnsureRx is an integrated cost savings solution that allows members to access savings on more than 50 generic medications that are typically used by consumers with a discount card.
Paul Marchetti
“With EnsureRx, our members will have the peace of mind knowing they are getting their generic medications at the selected pharmacy’s lowest available cost, and they can spend less time on comparison shopping,” Paul Marchetti, president of CarelonRx, said in a press release.
In the specialty drug space, starting in 2024, most members will transition to the new specialty pharmacy: BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy. Carelon plans to open three BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy distributions centers in Chandler, Arizona; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; as well as four clinical care centers in Las Vegas, Nevada; Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; and Indianapolis, Indiana.
CarelonRx is a Carelon company, part of the Elevance Health.
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