RELEASE
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Partners with OptumRx for Pharmacy Benefit Management Services
Brianna Neace
| 3 min read
DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2021 — A new partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network and OptumRx will provide members, providers and employers with prescription drug benefit services designed to improve the pharmacy experience, drive better health outcomes and lower costs. Beginning in 2022, OptumRx will support Blue Cross in managing pharmacy benefit services for group customers and members. As a leading pharmacy care services provider, OptumRx will augment Blue Cross’ existing programs, bringing new tools and digital technology designed to better manage overall drug spend and increase member engagement in pharmacy treatment. The OptumRx integrated health and wellness service platform complements the integrated benefit solutions with Blue Cross. Through this partnership, OptumRx will support administration of pharmacy claims, manage rebate contracting with pharmaceutical manufacturers, provide mail-order dispensing and manage Blue Cross’ pharmacy networks. “Holding the line on steadily increasing pharmacy costs and ensuring members have access to the prescriptions they need are top priorities for Blue Cross,” said Daniel J. Loepp, president & CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “We’re confident our partnership with OptumRx will help us move closer to reaching those goals through affordable, innovative solutions that improve care within our communities.” This collaboration advances Blue Cross’ commitment to providing members with convenient and affordable access to prescription medications through a comprehensive retail and home delivery pharmacy network with no disruption to current members. Leveraging OptumRx’s expertise, negotiated contracts and network of more than 68,000 pharmacies, these efforts will expand access and significantly improve prescription drug pricing and rebates to offer members and group customers more value and cost savings on their pharmacy benefits. “We are honored to have been selected by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to provide enhanced pharmacy benefit services to its members and help improve overall health outcomes while reducing costs,” said John Prince, chief executive officer of OptumRx. “We look forward to working together to better connect and integrate pharmacy support with medical programs to improve the whole health experience for Blue Cross members, care providers and employers.” OptumRx will provide enhanced customer service technology integrated with member communications to ensure a smooth exchange of information. An updated website and new mobile app will also place individualized coverage details at each member’s fingertips for quick and convenient access to costs and benefit information. Blue Cross will continue to work closely with its current pharmacy benefit provider, Express Scripts Inc., to ensure a successful and seamless transition. Changes will take effect January 1, 2022, for commercial individual and group members, and January 1, 2023, for Medicare individual and group members. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com.
