Anthem, Walmart Partner To Expand Seniors’ Access To Over-The-Counter Meds
Beginning in January 2019, Anthem Medicare Advantage members will be able to use their insurance for over-the-counter drugs, first-aid and other such supplies.
Modern Healthcare:
Anthem Partners With Walmart To Provide Over-The-Counter Drugs To Seniors
Health insurer Anthem has teamed up with Walmart to expand its senior members' access to over-the-counter medications. Through a new partnership beginning in January 2019, Anthem's Medicare Advantage members will be able to use their insurance to shop for over-the-counter drugs and other items, such as first-aid supplies and support braces, at Walmart's 4,700 stores and online. Anthem serves more than 1.7 million seniors in Medicare Advantage plans. (Livingston, 8/20)
Reuters:
Anthem Ties-Up With Walmart For Over-The-Counter Drugs
Anthem Inc said on Monday it has partnered with Walmart Inc to launch a program in January 2019 that will allow its Medicare Advantage plan customers to purchase over-the-counter medications from the retailer’s stores and website. Anthem said the program will provide OTC drugs and health-related items, such as first aid supplies, support braces, and pain relievers at reduced costs. (Joseph, 8/20)
In other news -
Stat:
Esperion Therapeutics And The Cholesterol Trial That Could Swing Billions
Is a small company poised to shake up the multibillion-dollar market for cardiovascular drugs, or is it about to descend into irrelevance? That’s the question hanging over Esperion Therapeutics and its experimental cholesterol-cutting therapy. The drug is being developed as an option for patients who can’t get what they need from cheap, generic statins but who also don’t require pricey injectable medicines called PCSK9 inhibitors, which can cost more than $10,000 a year. (Garde, 8/21)
The Associated Press:
AbbVie Donates $100M To Ronald McDonald House Charities
Drugmaker AbbVie is donating $100 million to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which help provide housing to pediatric patients and their families throughout the U.S. The donation announced Monday is the single largest ever gift to Chicago-based charity network. The money will be used to build housing in at least 26 states and at 32 Ronald McDonald Houses. (8/20)