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Clare County approves SmithRx as prescription vendor, promises employee outreach and lower drug costs
Summary
The Board approved a contract with SmithRx (affiliated with GoodRx) as the county's new prescription provider beginning January 2023. County staff said switching could sharply reduce costs on some medications and that employees will be contacted directly to manage transitions.
Clare County commissioners voted to approve a contract with SmithRx as the county’s new prescription-provider partner, and later approved Advanced Benefits Group as the county’s agent of record for health-insurance matters.
County staff told commissioners they had reviewed several vendors and selected SmithRx (affiliated with GoodRx) after sending the county’s drug history to bidders. Staff said the county’s prescription spending had been substantial: more than $75,000 year-to-date and about $48,000 for October alone. In presenting the change, a staff presenter said SmithRx will work directly with each employee who receives prescriptions and will assign an agent for one-on-one assistance.
Staff emphasized that employees will need to work with their primary-care providers to request generic equivalents where clinically appropriate. The presenter gave examples: the county’s current cost for a brand prescription listed was about $2,200 per month; SmithRx quoted a domestic generic equivalent at roughly $7. The presenter described a commission- and-margin difference between the prior vendor (percentage-based) and SmithRx (flat fee per drug), and said that structure should reduce overall county prescription spending.
The board approved the SmithRx contract on a motion and a recorded voice vote. Commissioner Spenza made the motion; a second was recorded. Commissioners also approved a separate motion to name Advanced Benefits Group as the county’s agent of record for health insurance products and benefits consulting.
Why it matters: County staff said the change aims to reduce county healthcare spending and give employees direct support when filling medications. Staff also said Jan. 1 will bring a $0 copay for regular primary-care visits for all employees; specialist copays will remain for buy-up and regular plans ($10 and $20, respectively, as described by staff).
Implementation and next steps: Staff said SmithRx representatives will contact every affected employee and that department meetings will explain the transition. The county will continue to rely on human-resources staff to facilitate enrollment and price-equivalent substitutions.
Ending: Commissioners approved the SmithRx contract and the Advanced Benefits Group appointment during the same meeting; staff said they will communicate with employees and hold department meetings to review the new prescription process.
