With healthcare costs are on the rise, prescription drug prices continue to soar, presenting a significant financial burden for many Americans. One of the most affected communities in this ongoing struggle is the Black population, facing a unique set of challenges when it comes to healthcare access and affordability. However, amidst these challenges, there is a beacon of hope. Blue Care Network’s Price Edge service has emerged as a game-changer, saving members a remarkable $1 million on prescriptions in just four months. This revolutionary initiative is transforming the healthcare landscape for Black patients and communities by making medication more accessible and affordable.
Price Edge is a groundbreaking program designed to automatically find the lowest available price on medications when members fill their prescriptions. Comparable to popular coupon or travel apps that tirelessly search for the best deals, Price Edge distinguishes itself by scanning and comparing direct-to-consumer pricing with insurance pricing, offering the best available price on select non-specialty, generic drugs. The service caters to both retail and mail-order pharmacies, and the best part is, it’s offered to Blue Care Network members automatically at no additional cost.
Affordability of prescription drugs has long been a pressing concern, particularly within the Black community. Kathryn Levine, the President and CEO of Blue Care Network, echoes this sentiment, acknowledging that prescription drugs are becoming increasingly unaffordable. She emphasizes that Price Edge was conceived as a direct response to this issue.
“We launched Price Edge to make our plans more affordable and convenient for our members. While there are hundreds of drug discount programs to help members save money, people don’t have the time and resources it takes to sort through all those programs, find the best deal and take all the steps required to obtain the discount. With Price Edge, all that work is handled for the member, automatically and in a matter of seconds.” said Levine
While there are numerous drug discount programs aimed at helping members save money, the arduous task of sifting through these options, finding the best deals, and navigating the various steps required to secure discounts often prove to be insurmountable obstacles for many individuals. With Price Edge, all of these challenges are eliminated, as the service manages the entire process automatically, delivering results in a matter of seconds.
The statistics surrounding the affordability of prescription drugs are concerning. Drug costs have been rising at an average rate of 5%, surpassing the average wage increase. This discrepancy can create a significant barrier for individuals, especially those in marginalized communities, when it comes to adhering to their prescribed medication regimens. Atheer Kaddis, Vice President of Pharmacy Services and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, notes that Price Edge is a powerful solution that helps Blue Care Network members keep their medication costs down. This vital assistance is offered both at the pharmacy cash register and through online mail order services. Every time a member visits the pharmacy, they can rest assured that they will pay the lowest price available to Blue Care Network members for their medications. This, in turn, fosters medication adherence and overall well-being.
The Price Edge program doesn’t merely provide discounts; it automatically searches for and applies them. For drugs covered by a member’s plan, the amount paid for the medication is applied toward their deductible and out-of-pocket maximum balance. In this way, the financial burden of essential medications is lightened, making it easier for members to manage their healthcare expenses effectively.
For many in the Black community, access to affordable healthcare is a critical issue, and Price Edge is a testament to the commitment of Blue Care Network to addressing this concern. By automatically seeking out the lowest prices for prescription medications, Price Edge is leveling the playing field and ensuring that all members, irrespective of their background, have access to affordable healthcare. As we celebrate this milestone of $1 million in savings, it becomes evident that Price Edge is a beacon of hope in the realm of prescription drug affordability, providing a critical lifeline for those who need it most.
Price Edge is not just a service; it’s a lifeline, a game-changer, and a symbol of hope for Black individuals and communities grappling with the unaffordability of prescription medications. Its impact transcends mere savings, touching the lives of countless individuals who can now access the essential medications they need to maintain their health and well-being. As this groundbreaking program continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the power of innovation in healthcare, underscoring the pivotal role that access to affordable medications plays in improving the lives of Black Americans and all those who need it.
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