CarelonRx President Encourages Healthcare Leaders To Commit To Improving Pharmacy Experience For Consumers In 2024

Published Jan. 8, 2024

Our pizzas, groceries, pet supplies, furniture – you name it – can all be delivered to our doorsteps after a few clicks on our phones and computers. Why should access to medications be any different?

To meet the needs of today’s consumer, CarelonRx recently announced the launch of our own digital-first pharmacy – CarelonRx Pharmacy – on Jan. 1, 2024.

CarelonRx Pharmacy places the pharmacy experience directly into the hands of consumers to better their health care journeys. The pharmacy provides a digital experience that allows members to engage with pharmacists via text, chat or phone call 24/7, compare costs of medications, track the status of medications throughout the order process, and have their medications delivered directly to the address of their choice. Members also receive push notifications with proactive status updates and can text directly with CarelonRx Pharmacy representatives.

Our internal data at CarelonRx showed us that when members utilized home delivery versus in-person retail, there was an increase in medication adherence with anxiety, depression and antipsychotic medications.

As healthcare leaders, especially those of us at pharmacy benefit managers, we have the unique responsibility of providing people optimal support in pharmacy because we have insights into members’ medical and pharmacy needs. We have the privilege of making healthcare better, simpler, and more convenient.

Here are my three commitments to bettering the pharmacy experience that I hope we can all strive for in 2024:

1. Always put people first. Our members are busy with responsibilities such as taking care of elderly family members, juggling multiple jobs, and shuttling kids to and from soccer practice. Let’s simplify their lives by finding solutions that promote convenient access to medications to help increase adherence and promote healthier outcomes. At CarelonRx, we’re focused on connecting people with the right medicine, at the right time, at the right price.
2. Be transparent. Members should know drug costs, insurance benefit, and copay, so there are no surprises. At CarelonRx, we make this information accessible through the Sydney Health mobile app and via members’ health plan websites, or members can call the member services number on the back of their ID card. Our newly launched CarelonRx Pharmacy will also accept coupons for commercial members, ensuring the greatest savings potential for consumers.
3. Be accessible. No matter the time of day, have experts readily available to assist. Through CarelonRx Pharmacy, members can engage in two-way text messaging and live chat with our staff 24/7.

I hope you’ll join me in improving the pharmacy experience for consumers. Together, we can help drive lower costs, increase access to medications, and improve health outcomes. 

Paul Marchetti is the president of CarelonRx, Elevance Health’s pharmacy benefit manager.