Anthem's PBM IngenioRx is attracting outside insurers

Anthem's early launch of pharmacy benefit manager IngenioRx to replace former PBM Express Scripts, is already attracting outside clients.

Blue Cross of Idaho has selected IngenioRx to provide its pharmacy services effective January 1, 2020, according to Anthem CEO Gail Bourdreaux in last month's earnings call.

Anthem began migrating members on May 1.

"At this time, we've received transition approvals from all 14 commercial states and a majority of our Medicaid states. As a result of our accelerated progress, we now see the 2019 earnings contribution from IngenioRx trending toward the upper end of our $0.70 to $0.90 guidance," Boudreaux said during the call.

In the build-out of IngenioRx, Anthem has opened a 24/7 pharmacy care center in Las Vegas that will offer dedicated specialty patient care.

"The multidisciplinary teams of nurses, pharmacists, and technicians are working together, supported by our digital engagement tools to provide personalized support to improve the experience and health outcomes for consumers," Boudreaux said. "The benefits of the move to IngenioRx are immediate for our clients and members, and we are on track to have all of our members on the IngenioRx platform by January 1st of 2020."

WHY THIS MATTERS

Anthem announced in January that it would accelerate its launch of its own PBM, after Cigna acquired Express Scripts.

Anthem said at the time that it expected annual savings greater than $4 billion through IngenioRx.

THE LARGER TREND

The major insurers have all connected with their own PBM.

Cigna has Express Scripts; CVS Health bought Aetna; and UnitedHealth has OptumRx.

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW

Anthem's Medical enrollment is 40.9 million members, representing an increase of 1.3 million members over the prior year quarter, driven by growth in the fully insured businesses. Membership growth was broad-based.

Anthem had substantial improvement in its risk-based group commercial business. Overall risk-based membership represents more than 85% of its total growth.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com