Consumer groups challenge PBM merger
Leading consumer groups have warned of the “potential for significant consumer harm” from a proposed merger of Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc.
CDR
Game-changer is emerging in community pharmacy
Pay attention. The origin of the following is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It is now nearing six years since the beginning of Medicare Part D. Development of a system to use Quality Based Payments for Quality Based Patient Outcomes is nearing reality.
New warehouse is vital to CVS’ growth
CVS Caremark Corp.’s new distribution center here will bring 600 jobs to New York’s southern tier while fostering the company’s ongoing expansion, president and chief executive officer Larry Merlo said at a grand opening ceremony.
Rite Aid makes decisions on new store prototypes
As Rite Aid Corp. drives forward with the rollout of one new store format, it has decided to put the brakes on another. President and chief executive officer John Standley said the company is pulling the plug on any expansion plans for its co-branded Save-A-Lot/Rite Aid pharmacy and grocery stores.
Wellness+ for diabetes debuts at Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corp. has introduced wellness+ for diabetes, a free program that offers exclusive resources and savings to people living with diabetes and their caregivers.
Industry mourns Len DeMino
Len DeMino, who spent over half a century involved in community pharmacy, died last month. He was 81. After receiving a pharmacy degree in 1956 from George Washington University, DeMino began a long, distinguished career as a pharmacist and industry advocate in 1958 with Washington, D.C.
Ritzman wraps up Buehler Rx deal
Ritzman Pharmacies Inc. has completed its acquisition of Buehler Food Markets Inc.’s in-store pharmacies. Ritzman — which has nine retail pharmacies — adds 13 locations and 75 employees from Buehler pharmacies.
High Court set to review reform law
The Obama administration wants the Supreme Court to hear a case pertaining to the 2010 health care reform law. The request makes it near certain that the nation’s highest court will soon agree to hear one or more cases involving challenges to the law.
Obama proposes cuts in Medicare, Medicaid
The Obama administration is proposing to cut $320 billion from projected spending on Medicare and Medicaid in the coming decade as part of an overall reduction of the federal deficit.
Walgreens hits green milestone
Walgreen Co. has reiterated its commitment to sustainability with its 100th rooftop solar power system installation in a store in Mason, Ohio.
Golden era in Rx ends with DeMino’s death
When Len DeMino retired earlier this month after over 50 years of service to the profession of community pharmacy, he closed the door on the golden era of chain drug retailing, an era he helped define.
High Court should weigh in on health care reform
Whatever one thinks of the health care reform legislation, whose most far-reaching provisions are due to take effect in 2014, it should be welcome news that the Obama administration has asked the Supreme Court to consider the ongoing legal challenges to the law.
Walgreens, Express Scripts reach accord in Puerto Rico
In one break in their ongoing dispute, Walgreen Co. and Express Scripts Inc. have agreed to allow members of two health benefit plans in Puerto Rico to retain access to Walgreens pharmacies. Walgreens said Friday that members of MMM Healthcare Inc. and PMC Medicare Choice Inc., which
Retailers: Pharmacy theft is up
Pharmacy theft is on the rise among crimes against retailers, according to a new study by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).
Drug chains put spotlight on their pharmacists
The nation’s three biggest drug store chains, along with the American Pharmacists Association, are highlighting the value of the local pharmacist during October for the annual American Pharmacists Month campaign. By putting pharmacists in the limelight this month, Rite Aid Corp., CVS Caremark Corp.
Merck chairman Clark to retire
Richard Clark, chairman and former chief executive officer of Merck, plans to retire from the company and its board later this year. The pharmaceutical giant said Thursday that Clark, who has been with Merck nearly four decades, is slated to retire effective Dec. 1.