July 1 (Bloomberg) -- Medco Health Systems, CVS Caremark Corp. and Express Scripts Inc., the
three largest managers of U.S. pharmacy plans, will merge their electronic drug prescription network
with one operated by a group of drugstore chains that includes Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
The merged network expects to transmit 100 million drug orders this year via computer, accelerating the
nation's move toward paperless prescribing, said Rick Ratliff, acting chief executive officer of
SureScripts, one of the two services. Benefits managers will get the chance to steer more patients
toward lower-cost generic or mail-order drugs, while pharmacies save the cost and time of deciphering
poorly written prescriptions, he said.
The combination may triple the number of digital prescriptions written in the U.S., Ratliff said in a
telephone interview. The deal closed yesterday, though it isn't known when the two networks will begin
working as one. Drugstore chains Rite Aid Corp., Walgreen Co. and Duane Reade Inc. are also
involved.
``Combining both sides of the equation is really quite the big deal, and it took years of discussions to
get here,'' said J.P. Little, acting CEO of the second network, RxHub. ``We really believe this is going
to be a great kick-start to taking electronic prescribing to the next level.''
The ``cashless merger'' will create the nation's largest network for electronically transmitting
prescriptions and other patient information, including medical histories and drug coverage, the networks
said in a joint statement. The new entity, temporarily dubbed SureScripts-RxHub, will have access to
records for 200 million patients through the benefit managers and 70 percent of U.S. drugstores, the
networks said.
Equal Stake
The pharmacy benefit managers, who created Saint Paul, Minnesota-based RxHub in 2001, will share a
50-50 stake with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and National Community Pharmacists
Association, which founded SureScripts in Alexandria, Virginia, the same year. Little and Ratliff will jointly
manage the service while it seeks permanent leadership and a new name.
The network will support itself through fees on pharmacies, charging only enough to cover its expenses,
said Robert Cronin, a SureScripts spokesman, in a telephone interview. Doctors can use the service for
free.
Health insurers, business groups and the U.S. government have been pushing doctors and patients to
put more information online, saying the technology will cut costs and save lives by avoiding medication
errors. More than 1.5 million Americans are injured annually by such errors, according to a 2006 study
by the Institute of Medicine, a government-funded nonprofit that advises U.S. officials on medical issues.
Slow to Adopt
Physicians have been slow to adopt the technology. Of 4 billion prescriptions written in the U.S. last year,<>
only 35 million were filled electronically, Ratliff said. While more than two-thirds of pharmacies use the
technology, only 6 percent of U.S. doctors do so, he said.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20670001&refer=news&sid=aR8aLxOQ1QVE 7/1/2008
The merger could be a ``milestone'' in the movement, said Sean Wieland, a health care analyst with
Piper Jaffray & Co. in San Francisco. Combining the two networks makes the service more attractive for
doctors and drug dispensers, he said, and will encourage vendors to enter the $5 billion market to give
health care providers the necessary software and computer equipment.
The benefits managers and drugstores ``probably came to a point and realized, 'Hey, we can't do this on
our own. We have separate stakeholders, and it just makes sense that the PBMs will get along better
with the pharmacies,''' Wieland said in a telephone interview.
Drug Enforcement Agency
The merger is another sign the transition is gaining momentum, said John Halamka, chief information
officer and dean of technology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. The Drug Enforcement Agency took
an important step last week when it proposed easing rules that block doctors from filling electronically
for painkillers and other drugs considered at risk for abuse and addiction, said Halamka, an expert on
electronic medical records, in a telephone interview.
Congress, meanwhile, is considering incentives and penalties to encourage health insurers and doctors to
use digital prescriptions. A measure including the provision passed the House last week. It has been held
up in the Senate amid wrangling over changes in a Medicare funding bill, Halamka said.
``This is the perfect storm and all of the necessary factors for success are getting lined up,'' he said.
Doctors and consumers will be able to fill a prescription with any pharmacy tied to the network, Cronin
said. He couldn't say when the combined service would start.
Shares
Medco, based in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, rose 46 cents, or 1 percent, to $47.20 at 4:15 p.m. on the
New York Stock Exchange. CVS, based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, rose 20 cents to $39.57.
Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, slipped 10 cents to $56.20. Deerfield, Illinois-based
Walgreen fell 46 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $32.51. Rite Aid, based in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, jumped
11 cents, or 7.4 percent, to $1.59. Express Scripts of St. Louis, Missouri, climbed 18 cents to $62.72 in
Nasdaq trading.
To contact the reporter on this story: Alex Nussbaum in New York anussbaum1@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: July 1, 2008 00:01 EDT
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20670001&refer=news&sid=aR8aLxOQ1QVE 7/1/2008
June 20, 2008
June 20, 2008
We received word today Medco and the USW have agreed to extend the
current contract until 7/12/08
We
received word today Medco and the USW have agreed to extend the current
contract until 7/12/08. Apparently, the USW
International Representative is currently on vacation and then the USW will be
holding their Constitutional Convention which is causing the delay. The last
vote conducted by the USW was to ratify the contract. The next vote the USW
will need to conduct will be a vote of yes means accept the contract, a vote of
no means go on strike. The USW and Medco will meet one or two times before the USW
holds this vote, where I am quite sure, Medco will inform the USW the tentative
contract both parties originally agreed upon is their best offer. Stay tuned.
June 20th,2008
License Reminder
As a reminder to all of pharmacists at the Willingboro facility that your license(s) has to be either; conspicuously displayed or in
your pocket at all times while you are working in the facility.
NJBOP 13:39-2.10 states:
“Upon issuance of a license, the initial wall license and current biennial renewal license shall be conspicuously displayed in
the registered pharmacist's principal place of employment.”
NJBOP 13:39-2.10 states:
“A registered pharmacist who is employed by more than one licensed pharmacy in the State shall maintain the wallet-sized license
issued by the Board on his or her person when he or she is working at a location where his or her wall license and current biennial
renewal license are not on display.”
If you are a part timer with another job, you must carry your wallet license. If you are a part timer and this is you only job
you must hang your license in the WB facility. Supervisors may ask to see your wallet card. Be sure to have it on your person.
Have a good week
JUNE 12TH, 2008
New articles added to the news section today.
6/11/08 ATTENTION PART-TIME PHARMACISTS
The 30 minute grace period for punching in prior to the start of your work day
DOES NOT APPLY TO PART-TIME PHARMACISTS. The 30 minute grace period applies to pharmacists with a
set full-time schedule only. The earliest a part-time pharmacist may punch into work prior to their start
time is 5 minutes. Please take notice and be careful with your clock punches. Thank you for your cooperation
6/6/08 at 9pm we received notice from HR that Medco and the USW have agreed to extend the current contract 2 weeks making the new expiration date 6/22/08. Sunday night for third shift and Monday for first and second shift will be normal hours and normal working condition.
IMPORTANT NOTICE !
CONTINGENCY PLAN IN THE EVENT OF STRIKE OR LOCKOUT.
As you know, Medco is currently engaged in contract negotiations with USW Local 4-406, which represents the pharmacy
support, pharmacy technician, warehouse, system coordinator, and customer service employees in our pharmacy.
Negotiations have been progressing slowly but steadily, and we are still extremely hopeful that we will be able
to conclude negotiations and have a contract ratified by the time our current agreement expires
(at midnight this Sunday, June 8th). However, we have an obligation to our clients and our patients to
prepare for the possibility that we do not reach an agreement and experience a work stoppage.
Please understand that we are doing everything we can to avoid the need to execute the plans I’m about to
review with you.
In the event of a work stoppage (either a strike or a lockout), we will continue to operate in order to meet
our patient commitments. We have a very comprehensive plan to staff our positions using a combination of
Willingboro employees, Medco employees from other sites, and temporary employees. As a Willingboro employee,
you play a critical role in our plans – you understand our processes and know our operation. Based on our
evaluation of each person’s current role and skills and abilities, we have determined job assignments for each
individual. Please see your immediate supervisor for any questions or specifics of your job assignment and schedule.
I’d like to give you an idea of what to expect during this time. The first day will be slightly different
because we will begin the transition at 7am. After the first day, our plan is to operate the pharmacy primarily
from 5am to midnight (Monday through Friday) and 7am to 3:30pm on Saturday, although some (non-automated) processes
will run around the clock. In order to allow us to run this slightly reduced schedule, we will also transfer some
work to Columbus and Las Vegas.
Parking and Transportation
We have secured offsite parking at the Grand Marketplace to ensure smooth and safe picket line crossings.
We will continue to evaluate the need for this offsite parking, but on the first day, we ask everyone to
please use the alternative parking spot. In order to ensure that you arrive to work on time, please arrive at
least 30 minutes before your start time at the parking lot. If you are paid by the hour, you will be paid an
additional 30 minutes at your straight-time rate each day to compensate you for this travel time.
The Grand Marketplace is located just south of the facility on Route 130 North, between Charleston Road and
Levitt Parkway. In addition to the entrance located on Route 130N, there is a rear entrance on Sunset Road.
The parking area at Grand Marketplace will be staffed at all times, with onsite security and Willingboro team
members available to provide information or assistance. Buses and/or vans will run continuously throughout the
day to provide transportation between the pharmacy and the parking lot. If you need to leave during the day,
contact your assignment supervisor; he/she will alert security and transportation to your car will be provided
for you.
Breaks and Meals
In order to make it easier for those who are supporting the pharmacy during the work stoppage, we will
be providing meals throughout the day. If you are working during a meal time, food will be served in the
cafeteria. If you come to the cafeteria during a training session, though, please be considerate of those who
are trying to learn about Medco or about a job assignment. If you have any special dietary needs, please let
Carol Dinardo (609-880-2261) know so that she can arrange to accommodate you.
Dress Code
There will be no tours scheduled during this time, and normal “dress down” rules will apply for attire.
Please keep in mind that although capris and open toed/heeled shoes may be worn in the office areas, they are
not permitted in the pharmacy, so your work assignment may prevent you from wearing clothes that might otherwise
be acceptable.
Badging, Entering, and Exiting the Building
The buses/vans will stop in front of the cafeteria doors on pickup and drop-off. Employees must
use the employee entrance and badge at the main entrance as they do today. Upon entering the building, proceed
to your locker or regular workstation as needed to drop off your personal belongings, and then report to your
scheduled work area. Punch in Winstar as you normally do each day to help us ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Badging will still be required throughout the building; all employees and temporary staff members will have badges indicating their job assignment. As Willingboro employees, please be open to assisting others who may need help finding their way around the building.
Putting it All Together
Please be sure to arrive at the offsite parking lot at least 30 minutes before your start time. Use the employee
entrance and observe all badging rules. Check your schedule for specific job assignments. On your first day, you
will receive training (if applicable). Be aware that, due to transit time and the challenges of executing this
plan for the first few days, you may be working more hours than usual. If you have special needs for day care
pickup or other commitments, please work with your manager and assignment supervisor for help meeting those
commitments.
Thank you in advance for all you do to support our pharmacy and our patients. As I’ve said, this is a very
comprehensive plan we hope to never use. We are optimistic that we will have “business as usual” on Monday,
and that we’ll have a ratified agreement between the parties instead of the plan I’ve described. That being
said, I believe it is important that you understand the plan and how it impacts you. For updated information,
you can call our information hotline (866-510-1842), which will be updated Sunday evening.
You are a critical element in the contingency plan I’ve outlined above, and I appreciate your contributions every day, as well as the contributions I’m asking you to make as part of this operating strategy. Remember that your fellow employees, the members of USW Local 406, are going to do what they think is best for themselves and their families, and that we will do what we think is best as well. As difficult as this process may seem, it is a part of doing business, and we appreciate your professional handling of this process.
Sincerely,
Calvin G. Wasdyke
Vice President/GM
Willingboro Pharmacy
JUNE 5TH, 2008
New articles added to the news section today. Watch this site for information and instructions to the
GFPP membership in the event of a USW work action.
IMPORTANT NOTICE !!!
Many pharmacists are voicing concerns regarding reporting to work on Monday,
6/9/08, in the event of a USW work action. Medco and the USW are scheduled to negotiate Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday of this week. The GFPP stewards are part of a phone tree in the event something should happen.
Any information given to the stewards will be posted on the home page of this website as soon as possible.
In the event of a work action, a toll free phone number will be provided for employees to receive updated
information. We are suggesting for all pharmacists to check this website periodically for information throughout
this weekend, and in the event of a work action, to call the toll free number Monday morning to receive details on
coming to work. Thank you for your cooperation.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THIRD SHIFT !
On Monday, 6/2/08, the steward team was approached by management for a quick meeting.
The USW contract is scheduled to expire at midnight on 6/8/08, and management is obviously preparing
a contingency plan to address the possibility of a work stoppage; although, all efforts are being made
by both parties to avoid that possibility. Part of the contingency plan will be to operate with a very
abbreviated third shift. The bulk of work will be completed on first and second shifts.
In order to accommodate this plan, management will solicit volunteers from the existing third shift
pharmacists to move primarily to second shift; however, accommodations to move to first shift can be made as well. There will be no effect on salary. All third shift pharmacists who volunteer to work a different shift will continue to be paid third shift premium pay for the duration of the period of adjustment.
The ability to set hours of operations is within the scope of management's rights. If we do not see enough
voluntary participation, you will be volunteered so to speak. If this contingency plan were to take affect,
we are asking for the cooperation of all third shift pharmacists to aid one another. There are a few third shift
pharmacists whose life outside of Medco precludes them from working a first or second shift. We are asking all
pharmacists whose personal lives do not preclude them from working a first or second shift to please volunteer
for the shift adjustment and allow our colleagues who can not make the adjustment to remain on third shift as Medco
will require a few pharmacists to continue to work third shift hours throughout the USW work stoppage.
Please note; if a USW work stoppage were to take place, Medco will have an 800 phone line updated continuously
to report all pertinent information for those employees who must still report to work. Also, several stewards
will be part of an information phone tree and will post up to the minute information updates on this website.
If you should have any further questions, please locate a steward immediately. Thank you in advance for your
cooperation.
The Steward Team
MAY 24TH,2008
Some changes to the overtime procedure have been posted
in the FAQ/Info section.
MAY 6TH,2008
By PEGGY HARRIS, Associated Press WriterMon May 5, 5:26 PM ET
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, announced Monday it would expand its discounted prescription drug program to offer 90-day supplies for $10 and add several women's medications at a discount. It also said it would lower the price of more than 1,000 over-the-counter drugs.
The move marks the third phase of a company program that began in 2006 to provide a 30-day supply of generic prescription drugs for $4. The Bentonville-based company said the program has saved customers more than $1 billion.
With the expansion, the company began filling prescriptions Monday for up to 350 generic medications at $10 for a 90-day supply at Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Market and Sam's Club pharmacies in the U.S. Almost all the prescription generics in the company's $4 program were included in the expanded $10 offer, said Wal-Mart senior vice president John Agwunobi.
In addition, the company will add several women's medications to its list of prescriptions available for $9, including drugs to treat breast cancer and hormone deficiency.
For instance, alendronate, the generic version of osteoporosis medication Fosamax, will be added to the list. Company pharmacies will fill 30-day prescriptions of alendronate for $9 and a 90-day supply for $24 at a comparison of $54 and $102, respectively, that women previously paid for the same amounts, the company said.
Tamoxifen, used to treat breast cancer, will be offered for $9 for a 30-day supply, as well as combination estrogen/methyltestosterone tablets, prescribed for menopause and hormone deficiency.
Wal-Mart also will lower the prices of more than 1,000 over-the-counter medications to $4 or less in its pharmacies, company officials said. The company has sold over-the-counter medicines in the past at discounted prices, but revised and expanded its offerings specifically to include commonly used drugs that usually sell for $7 or more, said company spokesman Deisha Galberth.
The over-the-counter medication price rollbacks represent about one-third of the retailer's over-the-counter medicines. They include Wal-Mart's Equate versions of popular drugs, including Zantac, Pepcid and Claritin, and Wal-Mart's Spring Valley prenatal vitamins.
Since 2006, Wal-Mart's $4 generic drug program has expanded to every state, except North Dakota, where Wal-Mart has no in-store pharmacies. And many company competitors have followed the retailer's lead.
While stressing that the expansion was designed to help customers at a time of exorbitant health-care costs and difficult economic times, Agwunobi said the program has worked in everyone's favor.
"This is the time for us now to begin building capacity," he said. "It offers (customers') employers potential savings. It offers the customers significant savings. It also offers us the ability to add capacity to our pharmacies without adding people."
Agwunobi expects the 90-day discount will increase the company's market share of mail-order and online prescriptions as customers realize the value of the company offer.
Wal-Mart Chief Operating Officer Bill Simon said the results in each phase of the program have been strong and prescription volume has increased, "exceeding our expectations." He said the company would not, however, offer free generic drugs at its in-store clinics as some competitors have.
"We're in business to make money," Simon said. "Free is a price that is not a long-term sustainable proposition."
Shares of Wal-Mart fell 53 cents to $56.97 Monday.
MAY 5TH,2008
Added a new job contact on the employment page. Check it out!
May 1st,2008
ATTENTION RPh's! I was approached by management today regarding pharmacists switching among job functions without notifying a supervisor. This applies to all functions but mainly the back end functions are the areas of greatest concern. You must notify the supervisor of the area in which you are switching from, and who you are switching with. Management needs to be aware of who is working where. This has been communicated in the past but it seems that we are getting a bit complacent and just switching among ourselves without notifying the area supervisor. I was told as of this week the technicians are no longer allowed to switch because they were abusing it and leaving areas short or unattended. I was given this information in an attempt for the same restrictions not to happen to the pharmacists. Management agrees that we are responsible and cover the necessary areas, but they need to be in the loop in the event they need to make changes. Please be diligent and follow up with your fellow pharmacists that choose not to take the time to view the RPh board. Thanks, Joe
April 22nd, 2008
Please check out the WRC page. The GFPP met with management today.
And now the good news.......
Medco, UnitedHealth Group Announce Pharmacy Services
Agreement
FRANKLIN
LAKES, N.J., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Medco Health Solutions, Inc.,
(NYSE: MHS) today announced it has reached agreement with UnitedHealth Group to provide pharmacy benefit
services through Dec. 31, 2012.
"We
look forward to the next generation of collaboration with UnitedHealth Group,
delivering innovative, world-class pharmacy services," said David B.
Snow Jr., Medco chairman and CEO. "This agreement advances our
relationship and includes
new terms that provide clear alignment around serving UnitedHealth Group's
integrated commercial medical and pharmacy business."
Added
Stephen J. Hemsley, UnitedHealth Group president and CEO: "We have
always viewed Medco as a valued partner, and we look forward to advancing our
relationship as we work together to serve the complex needs of our customers
and the growing needs of consumers."
April
11th, 2008
There is a posting in "The Stewards Speak" area. To read go to the member area. Select "The Stewards Speak"
from the pull down menu then enter your User ID and password.
We cleaned up the front page today. Postings were moved to the news area or the archive page. Todd
has posted a few new articles on the news pages. Have a good week.