INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES OPT FOR GENERICS PLAN

Some employers are encouraging their workers to bypasstheir insurance plans and purchase drugs directly from theirlocal pharmacies, figuring they could save money by not usingtheir health insurance, and workers could save money becausethe price of the drugs is cheaper than their insurance copays.

To take advantage of this growing trend, several independentpharmacies across the country have become more businesssavvy with their drug pricing. One example is a programcalled "1 Price Prescription," which promotes the sales ofabout 200 generic drugs at the cost of $18 for a 3-month supply.The prices also offer volume savings: $34 for 6 months,$48 for 9 months, and $60 for about a year. Patients pay outof pocket, without insurance or copays.

The program was developed by Dan Benamoz, chief executiveofficer of Pharmacy Development Services in Lantana, Fla,a consultant organization that provides business solutions andcoaching services to independent pharmacies. Not all pharmaciesrun the program in the same fashion, however;Benamoz and his team present the concept and the model,and pharmacies then shape it to their specific needs. "We'redoing this with pharmacies all over the country," saidBenamoz.