UnitedHealth (UNH) announced on Thursday that its Optum Rx pharmacy-benefits division has expanded its new cost-based pharmacy reimbursement model by partnering with additional pharmacy services administration organizations representing over 17,000 community pharmacies.
With the move, 100% of community and independent pharmacies in the Optum Rx network have adopted the new model, for which the managed care giant seeks a full implementation by January 2028.
In March, Optum Rx, one of the biggest divisions within UNH, shifted to the new reimbursement model in a bid to correct imbalances in how pharmacies are paid for branded and generic drugs.
“This is the latest effort from Optum Rx to better support the important role of community pharmacies,” the company said. “With this change, community pharmacies will have more transparency and financial predictability to manage costs as brand-name drug prices and usage increase.”
