Elevance Health's CarelonRx pharmacy benefit management company said CarelonRx pharmacy, which ... [+]
Elevance Health's pharmacy benefit manager is launching a new digital "pharmacy" that allows health plan enrollees to engage more with pharmacists and track their prescriptions like Americans track a pizza delivery.
Elevance Health's CarelonRx pharmacy benefit management company said CarelonRx pharmacy, which launches Jan. 1, 2024, "will allow members to engage with pharmacists via text, chat, or phone 24/7, compare costs of medications, and easily track the status of medications throughout the order process."
The move comes as retailers including Amazon, CVS Health and Walgreens and rival health insurers and PBMs owned by The Cigna Group and UnitedHealth Group increasing spending on real-time digital capabilities and speedier prescription delivery to patients.
Generally, one in three patients doesn’t adhere to a physician’s orders when it comes to taking their prescription medications, studies show. CarelonRx said its data shows when health plan members use “home delivery versus in-person retail, there is an increase in medication adherence with anxiety, depression, and antipsychotic medications (14.5%, 12.6%, and 13.1% respectively).”
Thus, executives are hopeful CarelonRx Pharmacy “close care gaps, improve adherence, and lower costs, all while removing barriers associated with traditional retail and mail order pharmacy models,” the company said in Tuesday’s announcement.
“Consumers deserve a positive, convenient experience when it comes to accessing their medications,” CarelonRx President Paul Marchetti said.
“Members should be able to easily compare costs of medications, speak to a staff member at any time of day to address questions, be able to track the status of their prescriptions, and have those prescriptions delivered on time to their doorsteps,” Marchetti said. “CarelonRx Pharmacy will place the pharmacy experience directly into the hands of consumers to help enhance their health care journeys.”
