County pharmacy launches zero co-pay prescription program for employees

In a recent meeting held on February 11, 2025, Oklahoma County officials discussed the progress and utilization of the county pharmacy program, which aims to provide employees with cost-effective prescription options. The conversation highlighted the positive reception of the program, which offers zero co-pays for many medications, and the ongoing efforts to increase awareness and usage among county employees.

The pharmacy program is gradually ramping up, with officials noting that as more employees become aware of the benefits, utilization is expected to grow. A mailer was sent to all employees' homes, and follow-up emails have been distributed to remind them of the program's advantages. The county pharmacy also offers a mail-out option for prescriptions, enhancing accessibility for employees, especially those living in rural areas.

A significant point raised during the meeting was the potential for cost savings on expensive medications, particularly GLP-1 drugs, which require a substantial volume of pharmacy data to negotiate better pricing. Officials emphasized the importance of building up pharmacy usage over several months to leverage these savings effectively.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of the pharmacy program for the county's health insurance costs. By encouraging employees to utilize the county pharmacy, officials believe they can control overall healthcare expenses and potentially avoid drastic increases in premium rates in the future. The meeting underscored the collaborative effort needed from all departments to promote the pharmacy's benefits, as employees are reminded that they are essentially part of the insurance system.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the county's commitment to providing affordable healthcare options for its employees while fostering a sustainable health plan. As the pharmacy program continues to develop, officials anticipate that increased participation will lead to significant cost savings and improved health outcomes for the workforce.