Gearing up for the industry’s main event
though invariably for different reasons each year. Last year it was notable for, among other things, the final appearance of both Tom Ryan and Mary Sammons, the outgoing CEOs of CVS Caremark and Rite Aid,
Issue 04-23-2012
The Top 10 Chain Drug Retailers
Opportunities for pronounced gains in market share by the top chain drug retailers are few, but several catalysts stand to propel pharmacy business, according to industry observers.
Q&A: Wasson takes reins as NACDS chairman
Walgreen Co. president and chief executive officer Greg Wasson becomes chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores at a pivotal time for the industry.
Outlook: Drug chains bolster growth prospects
Chain drug stores have responded well to the changing marketplace over the past year and bolstered their prospects for growth in 2012, industry analysts say.
Court mulls legal challenge to PBM merger
A federal judge heard arguments this month in the lawsuit seeking to stop the merger of Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc. U.S.
Rx groups make case as CMS crafts AMP rule
With the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expected to issue a final rule on Medicaid pharmacy reimbursements next year, community pharmacy advocates earlier this month weighed in on the proposal.
Rite Aid’s results show improvement
Continuing its financial recovery, Rite Aid Corp. turned in improved results for its fiscal 2012 fourth quarter and full year. In the 13-week quarter ended March 3, revenue totaled $7.1 billion, up 10.7% from the prior-year period. Same-store sales grew 3%, reflecting gains of 1.
Health care reform case a cliff-hanger
The fate of the Obama administration’s health care reform law appears uncertain after the Supreme Court conducted three days of hearings in late March.
Rx customers courted by Walgreens
Walgreen Co. is seeking to attract new pharmacy customers by offering a $25 gift card with every transferred prescription. The offer is designed to capture new customers and educate patients on the benefits of having all their prescriptions in one pharmacy. It is being promoted on walgreens.
CVS enhances access to preventive care
CVS/pharmacy has kicked off a program of free health screenings that will run through the end of the year in multicultural communities nationwide. CVS says the program — dubbed Project Health — will provide more than $21 million worth of screenings throughout 2012.
Interest in Total Store Expo builds
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has high hopes for next year’s debut of the Total Store Expo, according to president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson. The expo will bring together what are now three separate shows in one setting in Las Vegas in August of 2013.
Rite Aid in step with ‘new era’
Rite Aid Corp. pharmacists are now offering personalized Rite Care Prescription Advisor reports to show patients how well they are doing taking regularly prescribed medications.
NACDS acts on board nominees
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores board of directors was expected to approve a slate of new officers for the 2012/13 year at a session held here on April 21, the first day of the NACDS Annual Meeting. Greg Wasson, president and chief executive officer of Walgreen Co., was in
Walmart offers Rx benefits plan
Walmart is teaming up with Humana Pharmacy Solutions Inc. to offer employers a pharmacy benefits plan guaranteeing up to 20% off prescription costs. The new Walmart Rx Network offers self-insured employers an average of 10% savings on their annual average prescription price.
NACDS bolsters state government affairs team
State health policy professional Leigh Knotts has been named a director of state government affairs at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
Between the idea and the reality falls the shadow
The Federal Trade Commission’s decision to end its eight-month investigation of the $29 billion merger between Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions without taking action has received a surprising endorsement from The New York Times.
