Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Retiree Benefits Egwp topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee recommends renewal with Express Scripts for retiree prescription benefits (EGWP)
Summary
After a competitive bid, staff and the superintendent's advisory committee recommended continuing with Express Scripts for the Employer Group Waiver Program (EGWP) retiree prescription benefit; the committee unanimously approved the recommendation.
Jason Aleman of the Aleman Group presented the results of a competitive bid for the district's Employer Group Waiver Program (EGWP) retiree prescription drug administration. He said bids were solicited from Express Scripts, AmWins/Retiree Rx Care (listed as AmWins in the packet), Pharmacy Dimensions, SilverScript/CVS Caremark and OptumRx; OptumRx declined because the district did not meet its minimum enrollment threshold of 2,500 participants. After evaluating admin fees, rebate pass-through and contract concessions, Aleman and CFO Nisha Bamberg recommended renewing with Express Scripts to minimize disruption for plan members. The superintendent's advisory committee on insurance reviewed and concurred with that recommendation. The committee moved and unanimously approved recommending Express Scripts to the full board. Why it matters: EGWP administration affects retiree prescription benefit pricing and member experience; bidders differ on how rebates and manufacturer assistance are handled. Details: Aleman said Express Scripts offered full pass-through on rebates and manufacturer assistance; SilverScript/CVS Caremark proposed retaining manufacturer administrative fees and a higher per-script fee. Recent Louisiana law eliminated spread pricing for pharmacy benefit managers, Aleman said, meaning the district receives the drug purchase price and rebates more transparently than in prior years. Next steps: Staff will proceed with the Express Scripts contract as the recommended administrator to the full board for final approval.
