In a previous analysis (CVS Bets Big: Our Exclusive Analysis of Pharmacy Chain Participation in 2018's Part D Preferred Pharmacy Networks), I highlighted how the largest pharmacy chains will participate in next year’s Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDP).
Today, I examine independent pharmacies’ participation in 22 major 2018 Part D preferred networks. Our analysis focuses on the pharmacy services administration organizations (PSAOs) that represent these pharmacies in negotiations with plans.
As you will see below, the profit pressures from narrow networks have made smaller pharmacies much choosier about contracting for preferred status. For three of the four largest PSAOs, smaller pharmacies will have preferred status in fewer than half of the major plans. By contrast, members of AmerisourceBergen’s Elevate PSAO will not have preferred status in the largest plans, although they will be preferred in some smaller plans.
I wonder: Will 2018’s surprising pharmacy participation patterns trigger a rethink of preferred networks in Medicare Part D?
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