September 2024
In This Issue:
Whitaker Pharmacy featured in America's Pharmacist
APCI Member Pharmacy on the Cover of NCPA Publication
Chip and Mandy Whitaker were contacted recently about serving as the subject of an article for NCPA’s America’s Pharmacist magazine. Chip thought it was going to be a short article about some of the services Whitaker Drugs provides in three small Alabama towns. As the interview went further and further into details and longer and longer in time, the small article turned into the cover story for the September issue.
The article highlights how the Whitakers stepped up to open their pharmacies in rural, underserved areas. Chip agreed to the article to be an example of what can be accomplished even with all the challenges facing independent pharmacies today, especially issues with PBM reimbursements. Some people might not realize how dire the situation is for independent pharmacies.
“This stuff is real and it’s affecting patient care, especially in these rural areas where these companies are doing what they’re doing,” Chip said.
Chip said he appreciates the efforts APCI is leading in pushing for PBM reform on the federal level.
“I just hope we can get something done. It’s needed” Chip said.
Click here to read the full article (must be NCPA member).
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Updated for 2024: APCI Immunization Marketing Kits
Fall means immunization season! Let your patients and community know that they can get their flu, RSV, and Covid shots quickly and easily at your pharmacy!
The APCI Immunization Kit has been completely redesigned for 2024! The kits are available in three versions:
- Flu only
- Flu and RSV
- Flu, RSV, and Covid
APCI is offering two different packages for the 2024 Immunization Kit. Both packages include yard signs and bag tags, while one package includes a 3' x 8' outdoor banner and the other comes with two A-Frame inserts!
In addition to the flu kits, APCI members can also order individual banners, feather flags, and more!
Savvy APCI members know that the pricing and the service you get from the APCI Marketing Department can't be beat! Visit the Immunization Kit page on the APCI website to get more details and to order! (site login required)
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Medicare Part D Enrollment Begins Oct. 15
Annual Enrollment Period Runs through Dec. 7
Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period will offer millions of Medicare enrollees a chance to change their prescription drug plans. The period runs from October 15 through December 7. Open Enrollment is an excellent opportunity for APCI member pharmacies to offer their Medicare-eligible patients a vital service in helping to choose the most appropriate plan for their needs.
Your patients utilizing Medicare Part D may not be in the lowest-cost plan available to them and comparing the options can be overwhelming. APCI members can demonstrate the value and service they provide patients all year long by offering Medicare plan reviews during Open Enrollment and promoting these services.
Many APCI Choice members are once again utilizing the Your Medicare-Assistant (YMA) agent program to proactively identify, contact, and assist patients in finding appropriate plans during Open Enrollment and throughout the year when patients become Medicare eligible (T65’s). Additionally, your YMA agent partner advocate is typically local to the community and are already often known to the patient.
For those APCI member pharmacies currently participating in Your Medicare Assistant (YMA), make sure that you schedule your open enrollment strategy meeting with your YMA agent partner as soon as possible because there are many changes this year to be aware of as it relates to your patients’ 2025 Medicare Plan selection. As you know, your agent partner will be discussing plan options under the participating pharmacy brand so it is important that you have a plan in place and effectively communicate to your Medicare eligibles. Your YMA agent is your partner who represents all products and plans available in your area. Remember, the insurance companies and other community-based agents will be heavily marketing to your patients, and their interests may not be aligned with yours, so it is critical that you and your exclusive YMA agent partner connect with your patients so you can be sure to answer all their questions.
For members who are working with patients directly on the Part D benefit options, here are some helpful tips to make Open Enrollment flow more smoothly.
Find your expert
Designate someone within your pharmacy to be your Medicare expert, or consider hiring someone part-time during Open Enrollment. Whomever you choose, make sure that person has plenty of time for training about Medicare, along with how to use your systems and how to talk with customers about their options. While they can provide information, legally they are not allowed to steer a person to a plan.
Establish a workflow
Each appointment with a Medicare beneficiary can take as little as 15 minutes if your staff has prepared for the review in advance. Developing a workflow allows you to use time and staff efficiently. For example, a technician may be able to prepare information for a pharmacist to review.
Plan your marketing and outreach
Order marketing fliers, signs, and other advertising to promote the plan review service you will offer during Medicare Open Enrollment (see the Marketing Materials and Resources section on the APCI website for materials and ideas). Also, determine how to let customers know in which plans your pharmacy participates while following any restrictions on advertising.
Develop a schedule for personal outreach to customers. Ask them when they pick up medications whether they would like to schedule an appointment during Open Enrollment. Another option is to target groups of patients over a period of weeks to ensure their medication information is up to date in your pharmacy system and invite them to schedule a plan review in early October. Early scheduling will ease any last-minute rush from seniors who haven’t made a choice before Thanksgiving.
Promote the savings
While pharmacies can’t legally steer a Medicare beneficiary to one plan or another, you can tout the value of the education you provide during Open Enrollment. Plan how you will record and promote that value. For example, you might post a note on social media immediately after an appointment saying, “XYZ Pharmacy just showed a Medicare customer which plan will save him $642 next year. Call now to schedule an appointment for your review.” Keep a running tally, too. “So far, XYZ Pharmacy’s Medicare reviews have helped 27 customers identify ways to save $18,559 on their medications next year. Let us help you, too. Call now for your appointment.”
Make Medicare appointments flow
With a well-planned system, a pharmacy can save time and use its staff efficiently in conducting Medicare plan reviews with patients. Follow these steps:
Before the appointment
- Schedule appointments. Set times for talking with patients about their options, so the pharmacy can be prepared and patients won’t have to wait. Designate days and times when you will have staff available, and then ask customers to schedule their time. While most reviews may take only 15 minutes, you may want to allot longer time slots, particularly for the first few while you fine-tune your system.
- Check medication data. Have a staff member verify the customer’s current medications with that person. Customers may be taking medications that they don’t buy from your pharmacy, so don’t rely only on the data already in your pharmacy software (having patients on a med sync program will speed up this part of the process).
- Ask about preferences. When scheduling the appointment and checking that the medication list is up to date, ask about the customer’s priorities in choosing a plan. For example, a couple may want to be on the same plan, even if they would save some money by each being under a different plan. They also may want to know about which plans require prior authorization or step-up therapy for certain drugs. Many beneficiaries say access to their preferred pharmacist is important to them.
- Process the information. Researching the options and comparing plans can take as little as 10 minutes per patient. With that done, your staff can focus on talking with patients when they come in.
During the appointment
Ensure you provide all the information that may influence a plan choice. Your Medicare expert should be able to discuss:
- The cost of staying with their current plan, based on the changes made to it for the coming year. Customers may be unaware, for example, about how a plan’s formulary changes will affect their costs.
- The estimated annual cost of various plan options, including the separate costs for premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and costs during the coverage gap known as the “donut hole.”
Be ready to show patients which pharmacies are available and which cost more under each plan, too. Even if they make a decision and choose to enroll in a plan right then, the entire appointment can take less than half an hour.
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Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, Oh My!
Time to get your store ready for the Holiday Season
Now that it’s the “Ber” months, it’s time to get ready for the holiday season.
October brings pumpkin spice, hay rides and Halloween. Stock your store now with fall essentials and candy. Find some space for costumes and plastic candy-gathering pumpkins for all the little ghouls. Halloween is on a Thursday this year, so encourage your customers to come by for Trick-or-Treating and have plenty of treats!
Once the candy is gone, bring out some more fall decorations and horns-o-plenty for Thanksgiving. Be sure to post your holiday hours and closings in your store and on your website and social media.
The Christmas shopping season hits overdrive on Black Friday. Display your gift items and suggestions prominently.
Do you know any local vendors who sell gift items that you can display in your store? Work out a mutually beneficial arrangement to offer your customers some great items and help out a local vendor.
And again, post your holiday hours and closings in store and on your website and social media. Don’t forget about New Year’s Eve and Day!
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APCI Board holds retreat at Kentucky Office
The APCI Board of Directors met earlier this month at the Frankfort, Kentucky office. Board members and APCI staff toured the Kentucky office, visited local restaurants, and discussed the future of the organization.
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Emergen-C Crystal Sticks
For on-the-go immune support, stock the 28-count Emergen-C Crystal Sticks! No water needed! This great product is featured in the October advertisement at $9.99.
| Econo |
Description |
Cost |
| 2677003 |
EMERGEN-C CRYSTAL ORNG VITAL28 |
$8.76 |
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APCI Preferred Vendor: First Financial Bank
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans help launch many small businesses every year. So what does it mean to you when there are changes to their Standard Operating Procedures? As an SBA Preferred Lender, First Financial Bank is here to help you understand these changes and how they could impact your business.
Read More: https://bit.ly/3AW8682
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