News Releases
HARRISBURG – A Capital Blue Cross program designed to lower the cost of expensive specialty drugs, including those for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s Disease, has saved participating Capital employer groups about $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2023 and cut eligible individual drug costs by about $3,000 per person.
The program, called FlexAccess™, leverages saving opportunities to reduce out-of-pocket costs for Capital members who rely on these specialty medications.
According to 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, more than 9 million Americans cite high costs for failing to take prescriptions as prescribed. Skipping or delaying critical medication can worsen health conditions and make them costlier to manage.
Capital Blue Cross is combatting rising drug costs through a multipronged initiative to drive down those costs, improve member health, and increase access to potentially life-saving drugs. In addition to FlexAccess, Capital has:
- Become the first insurer in the nation to collaborate with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, allowing members to use their Capital ID cards at Cost Plus Drugs’ online pharmacy to reap sometimes-dramatic savings on critical prescriptions. Some Capital members taking advantage of the program are trimming up to 30% to 40% of their drug costs.
- A patient-assistance program called Capital Blue Cross RxAid that helps eligible members eliminate or reduce their share for certain high-cost specialty drugs – like those used to treat cancer or rare conditions such as hemophilia.
- A tool to give doctors real-time information about available drug options and a member’s specific pharmacy benefit, allowing them to compare exact out-of-pocket drug costs before writing a prescription.
Visit the Capital Blue Cross website for more information on the health insurer’s comprehensive prescription drug coverage and savings options.
About Capital Blue Cross
Capital Blue Cross serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind and promote health and wellness for our members. We focus on simplifying and personalizing the healthcare experience and using innovative solutions – including patient-focused care models, actionable data, and digital health technologies – to create healthier lives and lower healthcare costs. Our Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.