Changing Pharmacy Partners Doesn’t Have to Hurt: 5 Tips for a Painless Transition
Changing your pharmacy benefits can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right partner, a change can be made without an added burden for your team—while also realizing savings and a better member experience.
If you’re still tying up loose ends from your employee benefits transition last month, you’re not alone. Too many plans find out the hard way that implementations don’t always go smoothly. Your transition may have been rushed, your members aren’t happy, and they’re definitely letting you know about it. Whatever the reason, if you regret the change, it’s OK to re-think your choice.
With the right partner, a change can be made without an added burden for your team—while also realizing savings and a better member experience. From SlateRx’s implementation experts, here are five proven tips for creating a smooth pharmacy benefit transition for your plan and your members.
1. The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Start Early and Plan Thoroughly
Pharmacy benefit transitions can be completed in as few as 60-90 days, but starting sooner allows for a more thoughtful process and added testing. Early planning can provide time for customizations and give members more notice about any changes. Even just an additional 30 days can make the process smoother. A strategic pharmacy partner should consider your “go-live” date, how much customization your plan needs, the makeup of your member population, and design a strategy that allows enough time to transition smoothly and accurately.
2. Data is Your Friend: Leverage Your Data for Informed Decisions
The more data you can get from your last vendor, the better your new pharmacy partner can support you. Claims files from your current PBM allow for a comprehensive analysis of your members’ needs, enabling targeted solutions for those that may be impacted by a change. With this information, disruptions can be minimized—not just for some members, but for all—and support can be put into place for those that will need to make a change.
3. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Collaborate on Transition Strategies and Member Experience
Transition planning should be a partnership between you and your vendor. Together, you can decide which strategies are right for your unique member population. Whether you’re deciding on cost sharing, grace periods or grandfathering (continuing to allow certain medications during a chosen transition period), joint decision-making ensures you get to choose how the member experience will look, both during the transition and beyond. A true partner will allow you to have a voice in this process.
4. More is More: Communicate with Members Early and Often
Clear member communication is key to successful transitions. Your vendor should start by identifying impacted members and creating an outreach plan that educates them about changes like formulary updates or network adjustments. You should also expect to receive support materials for communicating to all members about their new benefits. Early, proactive communication gives members time to discuss options with their doctors or transfer prescriptions, reducing stress and ensuring continuity of care.
5. It’s Never Too Late to Do the Right Thing: Choose a Pharmacy Partner with Your Best Interests in Mind
Making a change to employee benefits is a big decision, and choosing the right partner is critical. A trusted pharmacy partner will be in full alignment with you and make decisions based on what is right for your plan and members, not their own interests. Look for a partner that is committed to complete transparency and has a clear contract that includes fiduciary protections for your plan.
SlateRx proudly boasts 100% implementation satisfaction—that’s 100% on every implementation we’ve ever done. Our proven processes, expert team, and targeted outreach ensures your transition is smooth, easy, and successful. It may be early in your relationship, but if your PBM isn’t meeting your needs, it may be time for a new pharmacy benefit experience. Contact us to see how we can help your plan make a switch.
