For Immediate Release

Florida Pharmacy Association Applauds Sunshine Health and Express Scripts for Retroactive Rate Increase

Tallahassee, FL – [May 23, 2024] – The Florida Pharmacy Association (FPA) and its Independent Pharmacy Practice Section are pleased to announce that Sunshine Health, in collaboration with their Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), Express Scripts, has responded positively to concerns we have raised regarding reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies.

Sunshine Health has acknowledged the critical role that independent pharmacies play in serving communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. As a result, Express Scripts will be increasing reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies retroactively to January 1, 2024. This decision underscores the value that these pharmacies bring to the healthcare system and their essential contribution to the well-being of our communities.

Statement from William M. Kruegel, CEO of Sunshine Health:

“Sunshine Health recognizes and appreciates the invaluable services provided to our communities by Independent Pharmacies. When we learned of concerns being raised about independent pharmacy reimbursement rates, we immediately reached out to our Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), Express Scripts.

We are pleased to share that Express Scripts will be increasing rates for independent pharmacies, not just going forward, but retroactively to Jan. 1, 2024. This retroactive increase reflects the value that independent pharmacies provide to our members and to our communities as a whole, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Independent pharmacies should receive new contracts from Express Scripts in the next 30 days. Sunshine Health will be working closely with Express Scripts to identify and adjust impacted claims within 120 days of contract execution. We ask our pharmacy partners to watch for and execute these contracts promptly to help us implement these new rates as quickly as possible.”

While this development is a positive step, the Florida Pharmacy Association remains deeply concerned about the broader impact of predatory PBM practices on Florida's community pharmacies. These practices often result in unsustainable reimbursement rates and create significant financial challenges for independent pharmacies, ultimately jeopardizing the access to care for many Floridians.

Statement from Stacy Hall, MBA, CEO of the Florida Pharmacy Association:

“The Florida Pharmacy Association is committed to advocating for fair and transparent practices in the pharmacy benefit management industry. Predatory PBM practices have long harmed community pharmacies across Florida, threatening their viability and the essential services they provide. We call on policymakers and industry leaders to continue addressing these issues to ensure that independent pharmacies can thrive and continue to serve their communities effectively.”

The FPA encourages all independent pharmacies to monitor their communications for the new contracts and evaluate them promptly to ensure a smooth transition to the improved reimbursement rates.

For further information, please contact:

Stacy Hall, MBA

Florida Pharmacy Association

Phone: 850.222.2400

Email: shall@pharmview.com