Blue Cross to change pharmacy benefit manager from Express Scripts to OptumRx
State's largest health insurer renewed contract with Express Scripts in 2018
Michigan Blues says new arrangement will increase access, lower costs
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have decided to change pharmacy benefit managers to help reduce prescription prices and more effectively deliver services to members.
The switch from St. Louis-based Express Scripts Inc. to Irvine, Calif.-based OptumRx will take effect Jan. 1, 2022, for commercial individual and group members, and Jan. 1, 2023, for Medicare individual and group members, the Michigan Blues said in a statement.
"Preparations are already underway to manage the change, which will be a significant corporate project spanning more than two years," Blue Cross said in a Jan. 6 internal memo that Crain's obtained. "We're working with a firm that specializes in pharmacy benefit manager changes to ensure a smooth transition with no disruption for our group customers and members."