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Board endorses switch to new prescription benefits manager; administration says most staff will only get a new card
Summary
After a competitive process, administration recommended and the board approved moving prescription benefits to a new prescription benefits manager (Keenan/MedImpact) to address rising Rx costs; administration plans staff education and a July 1 implementation for most employees.
The Old Bridge Township Board of Education approved a change to the district’s prescription benefits arrangement March 23 after administration described a competitive contracting process intended to reduce rising prescription costs.
Business administrator Mister Wiedell told the board that the district issued an RFP for prescription benefit management; 13 vendors requested the specifications and five proposals were submitted. Administration interviewed three pharmacy benefit managers and recommended proceeding with Keenan/MedImpact Healthcare Systems to lower Rx expenditures and realize rebates.
Superintendent Doctor Sasso said the move is intended to reduce district spending on prescription coverage driven by rising medical and Rx costs. "The good news is that this change will not impact the vast majority of our staff," Doctor Sasso said, adding that most employees will receive only a new prescription card. He said administration will email staff the day after the meeting and work with union leadership on education sessions so no one is surprised when changes take effect July 1.
Board members asked procedural questions about how the RFP was run and whether savings and implementation details had been vetted. Wiedell said proposals were scored and reviewed with the district’s insurance broker and consultant, and that administration will provide education and support for employees affected by deeper changes.
The supplies/equipment/services resolutions that include the prescription benefits change passed by roll call. Administration said further communications and in-person support will be available during the transition.
What to watch: administration’s follow-up communications to staff and a July 1 implementation timeline for card changes. District officials said they expect savings and rebates but did not provide a dollar amount in the meeting record.
