Capital Blue Cross and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) announced a collaboration to enable Capital members and community organizers to access lower-cost prescription drugs through MCCPDC.
MCCPDC is a public benefit corporation and online pharmacy that provides patients with lower cost access to medicines by working directly with distributors and manufacturers, bypassing what Mark Cuban has called “intermediate.”
The company charges the cost of the MCCPDC plus a 15% markup, a $3 dispensing and shipping fee per prescription.
Capital website states that if members have prescription coverage from Capital Blue Cross, they will need to pay for their medications and then submit a claim if the medications are covered by their plan.
In 2023, Capital members can use their insurance card directly at the MCCPDC.
“Capital’s collaboration with Cost Plus Drugs will help us bring lower-cost medications to members and non-members across our service area, providing much-needed relief to those struggling to afford lifesaving medications – and sometimes vital –,” Capital Blue Cross President and CEO Todd Shamash said in a statement.
THE GREAT TREND
According to two reports recently published by the US Department of Health and Human Servicesdrug prices have risen beyond the rate of inflation, illustrating the urgency of tackling rising prescription costs.
Transparent, a healthcare platform for self-insured employers, offers Transcarent Pharmacy Care, allowing members to search for the cheapest drug options and compare prices between pharmacies. Company members can also transfer an order with the Transcarent app if needed.
Launch of health technology company Prescryptive Health MyRx.ioa mobile platform for users to access pharmacy services, such as finding information on prescription benefits, purchasing medications, and scheduling appointments for vaccines or other care provided by the pharmacy.
The platform also provides users with suggestions on alternative drug options that they can discuss with their doctor, compare cash and health plan prices, and find manufacturer coupons.