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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday presented research on how value-based insurance design programs can be optimized by targeting the sickest, least adherent and most costly patients. These findings, presented at the 2014 PBMI Drug Benefit Conference in Las Vegas, examined how the VBID model can be most successful by reaching these targeted employee sub-populations.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark released on Tuesday fourth-quarter results, which came in at the high end of expectations and helped produce a record year, but as expected, among the key topics of discussion during the conference call with analysts was the company’s recent decision to stop selling tobacco products in all of its stores by Oct. 1.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday announced it has purchased the assets of You Technology Brand Services, a Silicon Valley-based platform of digital coupons and promotions.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — In collaboration with the National Minority AIDS Council, Walgreens is furthering its commitment to improve HIV treatment outcomes for African Americans living with HIV by deepening pharmacists’ training and expanding access to the pneumococcal vaccination specifically indicated for persons living with HIV as incidents of flu and pneumonia rise, the retailer announced Tuesday.

PLANO, Texas — The Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute recently released its Specialty Drug Benefit Report, sponsored by Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. The 2014 edition highlights trends important to specialty pharmacy, including emerging cost-control strategies and challenges affecting benefit design and patient care. 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Forging ahead on its longer-term goal of creating a national platform to support primary care, CVS Caremark plans to open up at least 150 new MinuteClinic locations this year and is now testing telehealth at more than two-dozen sites.

With a primary care physician shortage that is expected to reach 45,000 in 2020 and nearly half of patients indicating that they do not have a primary care physician, the role of MinuteClinic is no doubt becoming increasingly vital.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday announced it is extending through April 15 its program to provide medications to newly insured Americans enrolled under the Affordable Care Act, who have difficulty using their new insurance coverage because they haven't received a plan identification number yet from their insurer. Walgreens will continue to assist recently enrolled individuals by providing up to one month of a traditional, brand or generic medication at no upfront cost upon verification of eligibility.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Supervalu on Monday announced it will host its first-ever national sales expo, Sales 4 All Seasons, this summer.