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Costco and Epic launch pharmacy price transparency tool

1 report, 1 independent Updated Oct 15
AI-generated briefing. Brind wrote this from the reports listed below. It can be wrong. Each section says how much you can rely on it, and the sources are linked so you can check.

What happened

Some supportReported by 1 outlet

Costco is partnering with Epic to provide patient transparency and pharmacy services. Epic's new Prescription Marketplace allows clinicians and patients at health systems using Epic to compare medication costs at different pharmacies before a prescription is sent. This feature will show pharmacies' cash prices alongside what the patient would pay through their insurance plan.

From prnewswire.com

Why it matters

Some supportBrind's analysis of the reports

The initiative aims to address the issue that over 40% of American adults report not taking medications due to cost. By exposing cash prices, the marketplace provides patients the ability to choose the most affordable option, potentially increasing competition in the pharmacy sector.

From prnewswire.com

Who's involved

  • EpicHealthcare software company providing the platform for price comparison.
  • CostcoRetailer partnering to offer pharmacy services and share cash prices.

Who could feel it

Possible knock-on effects

These are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.

  • CVS HealthSpeculative

    CVS Health might face increased competitive pressure on its pharmacy sector pricing model.

  • UnitedHealth GroupSpeculative

    UnitedHealth Group could face increased competitive pressure on its insurance operations due to price transparency.

  • CostcoSpeculative

    Costco could face increased competitive pressure on its pharmacy operations as cash prices are exposed.

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The entities involved

Coverage

Newest first; wire copies grouped