Express Scripts establishes specialty benefits organization

ST. LOUIS — Pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts has created what it calls the industry’s most comprehensive specialty benefits organization, the company announced Thursday.

Express Scripts Specialty Benefit Services is designed to deliver plan sponsors services that help save money on specialty drugs while enhancing patient care, according to the company. The program brings together the company’s pharmacy benefit management, specialty pharmacy and distribution, and medical benefit management services, the third of which is delivered through subsidiary Care Continuum. Specialty drugs are used to treat complex, chronic conditions, such as cancer, pulmonary arterial hypertension and autoimmune disorders.

“Our creation of the first specialty benefits organization is very timely, as the national healthcare-reform discussion centers around three critical areas: access, quality and cost,” Express Scripts chief medical officer Steven Miller said. “Express Scripts is responding to rising market demand for comprehensive specialty benefit services spanning both pharmacy and medical benefits. As a result, we are using evidence-based methods to enhance patient safety and clinical care, while eliminating wasteful healthcare expenses.”