RazorMetrics’ Mail Delivery Program Can Help
Walgreens just announced they are closing 1,200 stores, coming on the heels of similar announcements by other national retail chains. As national pharmacy chains shutter hundreds of stores, a troubling trend is emerging: the creation of pharmacy deserts. These closures, combined with the decline of independent pharmacies, are leaving many communities—especially rural and low-income areas—without access to essential medications and healthcare services. The closures are blamed on declining profits, competitive pressures from online retailers, and regulatory challenges.
What is a Pharmacy Desert?
A pharmacy desert describes the distance that people have to travel to access pharmacy services. In urban areas, residents are in a desert if they are more than ½ mile away from a pharmacy. In rural areas, it’s defined as being more than five miles away. For many, particularly those dependent on public transportation or living in under-served communities, losing their local pharmacy can be devastating. Studies show that reduced pharmacy access results in decreased medication adherence, leading to poorer health outcomes, especially for people managing chronic conditions.
Pharmacy Closure Ripple Effects
When a national chain closes, often no other pharmacy replaces it, leaving communities stranded. This has been exacerbated by the decline of independent pharmacies, which have historically served as a critical healthcare lifeline in underserved areas. The face-to-face relationship patients build with their local pharmacist is a key component of ongoing care, especially for managing complex health conditions. Without this access, patients in pharmacy deserts face more delays, higher costs, and worsening health outcomes.
How RazorMetrics Solves the Pharmacy Desert Problem
RazorMetrics’ mail delivery option offers a solution that mitigates the impacts of pharmacy deserts. By providing mail-order to members, RazorMetrics ensures that patients—regardless of their proximity to a pharmacy—receive their medications on time, without the hassles of local supply shortages or long pharmacy lines. The program is popular with clients due to the following:
- Convenience: RazorMetrics does the work for members, so they do not have to register and find savings on their own. Medications are delivered directly to members’ doors, ensuring accessibility even in pharmacy deserts.
- Cost-Effectiveness: By partnering with discount mail-order pharmacies, RazorMetrics helps health plan members save out-of-pocket costs. Health plans and employers save 100% of the cost since the mail program is cashpay.
- Visibility: By going through RazorMetrics, clients retain visibility into member’s use of cashpay savings opportunities that otherwise would not be visible.
- High Member Satisfaction: RazorMetrics’ low-touch process means members don’t have to worry about finding an open pharmacy or dealing with local stock issues. Members enjoy the ease of home delivery and quick access to their medications.
As pharmacy deserts continue to expand due to national retail pharmacy closures, innovative solutions like RazorMetrics’ mail delivery program are essential. RazorMetrics is delivering a critical lifeline to those in need of affordable, accessible medications. By leveraging mail delivery, health plans and employers can ensure their members stay healthy and productive without the strain of searching for a local pharmacy.
