Walgreens Named One of Two Specialty Pharmacy Providers to Premera
Walgreens (NYSE:WAG)(NASDAQ:WAG):
— Awarded contract to serve specialty pharmacy patients among 1.7 million health plan members
— Medication fulfillment and support services to be provided from regional Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy facility in Beaverton, Ore.
Premera and its affiliated companies have selected Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy as one of two preferred providers of specialty pharmacy services under a new, multi-year contract announced today by Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG). Based in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., Premera companies provide health insurance and related services to more than 1.7 million members in Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Arizona. Premera plan members will be serviced from the Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy facility in Beaverton, Ore.
“A significant factor in winning the business was our ability to provide integrated specialty pharmacy services for Premera’s membership through our specialty pharmacy facility or at our 6,400 Walgreens retail pharmacies, and provide infusion services at our local home care branches,” said Michael Nameth, executive vice president of Walgreens Health Services. “We believe our strong focus on clinical programs and therapy management is a key advantage and will help us consistently win business over the long term.”
Ed Wong, PharmD, vice president of clinical performance measurement and pharmacy services at Premera, said, “Given the intensity of their medical needs, a Premera member who needs specialty medications wants services designed to fit his or her situation. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy assists in meeting patients’ needs by providing a broad range of access to specialty medications. We believe Walgreens commitment to high-quality, patient-focused service epitomizes our commitment to providing quality and peace of mind to our members about their health care coverage. Walgreens carries a name and reputation that has been associated with quality service for more than a century. Finding a vendor that reflects our commitment to our members allows Premera to concentrate on improving care and managing costs.”
As the largest independent provider of specialty pharmacy services and fourth-largest specialty pharmacy in the country, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy will offer comprehensive programs and patient management services to Premera members who use specialty medications for chronic and complex health conditions including cancer, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and others. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy will provide Premera with medication fulfillment, patient education and clinical support services. Its pharmacists and nurses also will counsel patients on the importance of medication adherence and side-effect management.
Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreen Co. operated by its managed care division, Walgreens Health Services, is a national provider of injectable and biopharmaceutical medications dedicated to serving the needs of patients living with complex, chronic health and medical conditions. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy provides personalized care and services through dedicated fulfillment centers across the country and more than 6,400 electronically linked Walgreens pharmacies, including locations in academic medical centers, community hospitals and physician office buildings. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy assists patients in obtaining medications, coordinates insurance benefits and provides individualized therapy management and clinical support.
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation’s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2008 sales of $59 billion. The company operates 6,443 drugstores in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and cost-effective health care services in America through its retail drugstores, Walgreens Health Services division and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. Walgreens Health Services assists pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefit manager), Walgreens Mail Service Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc., Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC and SeniorMed LLC (a pharmacy provider to long-term care facilities). Walgreens Health and Wellness division includes Take Care Health Systems, which is comprised of: Take Care Consumer Solutions, managers of 220 convenient care clinics at Walgreens drugstores, and Take Care Employer Solutions, managers of worksite-based health and wellness services at 368 employer campuses.