Employers Gain from HealthTrans’ Highly-serviced, Cost-effective Pharmacy Benefits Plan/Network

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A value-based pharmacy network designed to meet the unique needs of employers has been formed on the East Coast by HealthTrans, a national pharmacy benefits administrator and pharmacy chains Duane Reade in the New York metropolitan area and Rite Aid in New York State, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This regional network enables employers to provide employee-centric prescription benefit plans that reward employees with broader prescription benefits and excellent service, while giving employers desired cost savings and improved workplace productivity.

The combined strength of this regional value-based network is more than 1,600 retail pharmacies in four states and the New York metropolitan area. In addition, mail service is available to those who need the convenience of delivery to their doorsteps.

“A regionally focused value-based network of this magnitude offers employer groups not only preferred pricing and incentives when filling prescriptions at a Duane Reade or Rite Aid pharmacy, but also a high level of convenience for their employees,” said Jack McClurg, CEO of HealthTrans. “The flexibility this network offers enables employers to design their pharmacy benefit plans to offer their employees maximum choice.”

For example, through plan design an employer can offer significant co-pay incentives for employees to chose the value-based network, but also attach premium savings for choosing the network. Or, an alternate plan may give employees access to pharmacies not in the preferred network if they choose a higher co-pay structure and higher premiums. “This puts the decisions into the employees hands for the ultimate consumer directed plan,” McClurg said.

"Being able to offer employers and their employees plan designs localized and tailored to their specific needs, means more effective use of medications at the lowest net costs," said McClurg. “As a result, employees can maintain long-standing relationships with their neighborhood pharmacists, who provide counsel about their medications,” he concluded.

About HealthTrans

HealthTrans is a privately held healthcare management solutions company, formed in 2000 with a diverse customer base that includes employers, managed care organizations (MCOs), pharmacy benefit managers, workers’ compensation plans, specialty programs, TPAs, resellers and government-sponsored plans. HealthTrans’ full spectrum of healthcare management product and service includes claims processing solutions, full PBM services, medical claims processing, clinical programs, benefits administration services, mail order options and discount healthcare programs. Visit http://www.healthtrans.com.

About Rite Aid

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with approximately 5,000 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia with fiscal 2008 annual sales of more than $24.3 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at http://www.riteaid.com.

About Duane Reade Holdings, Inc.

Founded in 1960, Duane Reade is the largest drug store chain in the metropolitan New York City area, offering a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, health and beauty care items, cosmetics, greeting cards, photo supplies, and photofinishing. As of March 29, 2008, the Company operated 242 stores. http://www.duanereade.com.

¹ 2006 American Pharmacists Association Foundation Pinnacle Award for Demonstrating Quality in the Medication Use Process

² 2007 Outcomes Pharmaceutical Healthcare National Medication Therapy Management Provider of the Year

³ 2008 North Carolina American Diabetes Association Provider of the Year