Join hosts Lauren Young and Monique Whitney as they sit down with Alan Pannier, Chief Strategy Officer at SmithRx, to peel back the layers of the PBM industry. Their discussion explores the critical differences between traditional and pass-through PBM models and how the current system often obscures true costs from employers; shedding light on how innovative models like cost-plus pricing are reshaping the landscape, offering a fairer deal for both patients and independent pharmacies.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Key Topics:

1. Pass-Through vs. Traditional PBMs: Breaking down the fundamental differences and why the distinction matters for transparency.
2. How Traditional PBMs Game the System: A look at the tactics legacy PBMs use during the evaluation process to confuse employers and hide profit margins.
3. The Benefits for Employers: Why switching to a pass-through model can lead to significant savings and clearer data for plan sponsors.
4. The Cost-Plus Pharmacy Model: Explaining how this model works and its direct benefits for patient affordability and employer bottom lines.
5. The Role of Independent Pharmacies: How integrating independent pharmacies into benefit plans can simultaneously decrease employer spend and increase pharmacy reimbursement.
6. Market-Driven Reform: Why legislative action isn't enough—the market must actively demand better solutions to ensure PBM reform is effective.

Resources & Links

1. SmithRx: Visit Website
2. Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency (PUTT): TruthRx.org
3. Support the Show: Become a PUTTcast Sponsor