Oct. 28, 2023

APRx Vendor News

COVID Vaccine News, Med D Planning, Hot OTC Offers

With the FDA authorization earlier this month of the new Novavax protein-based adjuvant vaccine, there are now three updated COVID vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. that target the dominant XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant.

The updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were authorized in September, but logistical delays have made getting deliveries of the vaccines challenging until recently.

Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are in full production mode and all three vaccine makers say they are now shipping millions of doses weekly. Although supplies continue to improve weekly, some independent pharmacies continue to report challenges in securing COVID vaccine supplies.

In addition to Cencora's (formerly AmerisourceBergen) vaccine lineup, American Pharmacies members have access to COVID vaccines through two vendors in the Federation of Pharmacy Networks (see article below). VaxServe carries the Moderna Spikevax vaccine, while FFF Enterprises ships both Moderna Spikevax and the Novavax vaccine.

For more information about VaxServe products, contact lisa.meyers@vaxserve.com or visit vaxserve.com. You can reach FFF Enterprises at fffenterprises.com or contact lwestphal@fffenterprises.com.

The Industry-Leading Platform for Better Part D Choices

The leading Part D plan comparison tool on the market, EnlivenHealth's Medicare Match (formerly FDS Amplicare Match) empowers pharmacies to strengthen their patient relationships while expanding revenue growth. Medicare Match helps you efficiently support patients in choosing the Medicare plan that’s the perfect match for their health and finances.

It's an essential tool during the annual Medicare Part D open enrollment period, and it's available to American Pharmacies members at a 6% discount from its regular price.

CMS-approved Plan Finder Platform – Enables pharmacies to deliver a successful plan comparison service that increases patient satisfaction and loyalty. The platform includes a convenient formulary look-up tool that suggests drug alternatives that are covered by your patient’s plan.

Win-Win Messaging – Targets patients with plan changes that take them out of network and provides them with plan options and savings opportunities via NavigateMyCare.

Targeted Medicare Outreach – Allows your pharmacy to initiate a personalized campaign via mobile app, voice, or SMS text to alert individuals to a Medicare plan opportunity.

It provides a convenient link to the Navigate My Care patient plan comparison tool.

NavigateMyCare.com – Provides trusted information and helpful comparison tools tailored to each individual patient to help them explore options and enroll in a plan that’s right for their needs – all from the convenience of your pharmacy.

► Enliven Health Medicare Match Pharmacy Resource Page

► How Medicare Match Can Help You Boost Patient Retention & Revenue

To learn more about Medicare Match from EnlivenHealth® visit enlivenhealth.co or click here to schedule a demo.

Did You Know?

• 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day.
• 47% of seniors say they want help choosing a Medicare Part D Plan.
• 80% of Beneficiaries are not on the most cost-effective Part D plan.
• Medicare plan comparisons help pharmacies mitigate DIR risk by making sure patients are on the best plan for their needs, which can improve adherence.
• 30% are more likely to stay with a pharmacy that performs Med D plan comparisons.

As an American Pharmacies preferred vendor, EnlivenHealth meets our high standards for program value, outstanding customer support and demonstrated commitment to independent pharmacy.

Hot Opportunities

in Front-End/OTC Products

► Zim's Max Freeze Flyer

► BeKoool Flyer

Throughout the month of November, Cencora will offer significant discounts on two popular OTC products from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. Zim's Max Freeze topical roll-on for muscle and joint relief has more menthol (7%) than the leading brand, meaning it penetrates deeper and lasts longer. It costs 35% less than Biofreeze and is discounted 20% throughout November. Bigger discounts, better margins.

BeKoool medicated gel patches, the leading gel-cooling product on the market, are discounted 15% in November. The patches are popular during the fall-winter cold/flu season and are an essential product in your children's analgesics section.

Other Items of Note:

• GNC brand Omeprazole 20 mg tablets (42 count) are discounted 30% while supplies last.
• Gold Bond Diabetic's Dry Skin Relief 13 oz., Healing Aloe Lotion (14 oz. and 5.5 oz sizes) and Eczema Relief Cream 8 oz. are discounted 20%.
• Be advised that Cencora in January will begin shipping Perrigo's OPill, the first FDA-approved OTC birth control product. The progestin-based daily pill is expected to be in high demand once it launches, but Cencora is confident that it has lined up adequate supplies.

For a radically improved experience in shopping and ordering OTC products, check out the totally reimagined ABC Marketplace – just log into ABC Order to access it.

Discounted Offerings

From 32 Companies

The Federation of Pharmacy Networks (FPN) is a cooperative created and owned by the nation’s leading independent group purchasing organizations (GPOs), including American Pharmacies. The combined membership of 17 independent GPOs offers pharmacy vendors access to more than 16,000 independent community pharmacies nationwide.

FPN provides its members a platform to exchange ideas and work cooperatively to help ensure the viability of independent community pharmacy in an increasingly challenging marketplace. It administers 32 preferred vendor contracts with vendors covering a variety of categories, including:

• Greeting Cards & Gift Cards
• Front-End Merchandise
• Loans, Insurance & Financial/Retirement Planning
• Support of POC Testing & Clinical Services
• Vaccines
• Drug Returns Services
• Compliance Support
• Nutrition/Weight Loss
• Office Supplies
• Photo Kiosks
• Rental Cars and More

To check out all of FPN's vendor offerings, visit fpn.org/member-benefits.

FPN Monthly Spotlight Vendor:

First Financial Bank

From acquisition to refinancing, First Financial Bank (FFB) takes the worry out of financing your practice — so you can focus on your patients. FFB is one of the nation’s leading small business lenders – originating more than $300 million in pharmacy loans.

Their lending team has more than 80 years of pharmacy experience and includes current and past pharmacy owners. Whether you're starting a new pharmacy or growing your business, they have first-hand industry expertise to create a wide range of financial products tailored to your business. Since all pharmacies are not the same, you should have a bank who knows your business.

FFB is a Preferred Lending Partner with the Small Business Administration and offers multiple financing solutions to help practicing pharmacists meet a wide range of business needs:

• Acquisitions
• Equipment Financing
• Expansion & Remodeling
• Business Refinancing
• Start-Up Loans

When you partner with First Financial Bank, they get to know you and your business inside and out. Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, they will work with you, one-on-one, every step of the way. 

To learn more, visit First Financial Bank's Pharmacy Lending Portal.

► View FFB Flyer