Blue Shield of California teams with Gemini on prescription price transparency

Blue Shield of California is entering into a partnership with Gemini Health on drug price transparency to promote the lowest cost options to patients. 

The companies are teaming to implement push notifications in the BCBS’ mobile app to inform patients when their doctor initiates an e-prescription order. It then encourages members to view drug prices and compare alternatives, including lower-cost options.

The Price Check My Rx dashboard allows members to immediately view the out-of-pocket price of any new or renewed prescription medications ordered by their clinician and covered by their pharmacy benefit plan, according to BCBS California.

Members can also view lower-cost, alternative medications and other in-network pharmacies to look for available discounts.

WHAT’S THE IMPACT

BCBS California touts itself as the first health plan in the country to offer real-time notifications.

The company said it sends the same drug cost and alternatives information to clinicians when they are e-prescribing, with the goal of helping to facilitate their conversations with patients and improving medical decisions.

"I'm proud that we are removing the guesswork for patients when it comes to drug costs," said Jigar Shah, chief marketing and strategy officer at Blue Shield of California. "With this new digital experience, we are bringing transparency straight to our members' fingertips so they can view and discuss their medication and price options with their provider. This is another important step toward a healthcare system that is worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable."

The Price Check My Rx real-time alert feature is available to members who have the Blue Shield of California mobile app downloaded and push notifications turned on. Physicians in Blue Shield's network have access to the same information, which prompts them to choose a lower-cost alternative when prescribing medications for their patients.

THE LARGER TREND

The insurer promoted a number of enhancements it has made in recent years, including online appointment booking through Zocdoc and Virtual Blue, a benefit plan that integrates primary care, specialist care, behavioral and mental health support in a virtual-forward care model.

According to BCBS California, these efforts have generated more than $100 million in savings since 2022 through informed provider decisions about prescription drug coverage and prices.