Pharmacy Benefit Manager Launches New Program That Seeks to Lower Drug Costs

Express Scripts recently launched Inside Rx, a new initiative that could save patients more than 34% on their prescription drugs, according to a press release. Inside Rx is the result of the pharmacy benefit manager’s partnership with GoodRx, a source for drug costs and savings.

Inside Rx will leverage Express Scripts’ large market power to increase access to affordable prescription drugs for patients with high out-of-pocket costs or for those without insurance, the release stated.

"We have a unique opportunity to put medicine within reach of those who need it. By practicing pharmacy smarter, we are bringing together companies across healthcare to truly deliver value," said Tim Wentworth, president and CEO, Express Scripts. "We are proud to power a novel solution that makes brand-name medicines more affordable and accessible, particularly for people without prescription coverage."

In addition to Express Scripts, the cross-industry partnership includes collaboration between Inside Rx, GoodRx, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly and Company, Lundbeck, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Teva Pharmaceuticals, according to the release.

"The GoodRx / Inside Rx program is a simple and effective way to help millions of Americans who struggle to afford their prescriptions," said Doug Hirsch, co-founder and co-CEO, GoodRx. "GoodRx is proud to partner with Inside Rx to reduce the cost of diabetes, asthma and other important drugs that patients need."

Patients now can visit the GoodRx website or mobile application to obtain savings for more than 40 branded drugs that treat common conditions. Although the savings vary, patients typically save an average of 34% off the cash price, according to the release.

Express Scripts stated that to obtain the discounts, patients only need to present the discount card at 1 of 40,000 participating pharmacies, which includes CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger Family of Pharmacies.

"Kroger is excited to partner with Express Scripts on this new program that creates affordability and expands access to medications for many of our patients," said Colleen Lindholz, president of Pharmacy and The Little Clinic, The Kroger Co.

Express Scripts stated that Inside Rx is not insurance, and patients with high-deductible plans should review their coverage to determine if the program is right for them, according to the release. Additionally, the program is not available to those with public insurance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE.

"We are pleased to participate in Express Scripts' new program that will play an important role in helping under-insured and uninsured patients receive the medicines they need at a price they can afford," said Brad Fluegel, senior vice president, chief healthcare commercial market development officer, Walgreens.