Frequently Asked Questions

What is WisconsinRx?
What is the purpose of WisconsinRx?
How will WisconsinRx save money for its members?
What is an evidence-based preferred drug list or formulary?
Who makes the determinations as to clinical effectiveness?
How many members are currently in WisconsinRx?
Can any business join WisconsinRx?
Can public entities join WisconsinRx?
How can my company become a member?

What is WisconsinRx?

WisconsinRx stands for the Wisconsin Prescription Drug Purchasing Coalition. It is made up of private organizations that have agreed to form a coalition to jointly negotiate for better drug prices for their employees and covered members.

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What is the purpose of WisconsinRx?

• To control the cost of prescription drugs.
• To ensure a high quality of prescription drug care for employees.
• To provide access to participating pharmacies in a statewide network.
• To provide a high level of service to member organizations.
• To be a “watchdog” over the business practices of pharmaceutical companies and the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM).
• Honest pricing – no hidden costs.

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How will WisconsinRx save money for its members?

• Volume purchasing of prescription drugs (higher discounts on drugs).
• Lower administrative fees.
• Higher rebates (refunds on drug costs based on volume).
• Honest pricing – no hidden fees.
• Education to help member organizations and their employees make safe and cost-effective medication decisions.
• Auditing of the PBM to ensure a full pass-through of all discounts and rebates.
• Member access to an evidence-based preferred drug list.
• WisconsinRx will act as a watchdog over the business practices of pharmaceutical companies and the pharmacy benefit manager administering your drug benefit plan.

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What is an evidence-based preferred drug list or formulary?

• It is a list of drugs identified as “preferred” medications to treat a condition or disease.
• The decision to place a drug on the preferred list is based on sound clinical evidence and NOT on how much money is spent on advertising.
• When there are equally effective drugs available in a drug class, cost will determine which drug(s) are placed on the preferred list.

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Who makes the determinations as to clinical effectiveness?

WisconsinRx will consult with Wisconsin-based physicians and pharmacists who will review the clinical evidence and agree on which drugs are appropriate for the evidence-based preferred drug list.

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How many members are currently in WisconsinRx?

The WEA Trust, the state's largest not-for-profit insurance company which provides health insurance for over 350 Wisconsin school districts, The Alliance, a Madison-based employer-owned health cooperative with over 160 member employers, and the Fond du Lac Area Businesses on Health (FABOH), with 53 member employers are the founding partners. These three groups represent 260,000 people.

WisconsinRx is in negotiations with a number of potential member organizations and anticipates growing to 1,000,000 members in the near future.

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Can any business join WisconsinRx?

Yes, any business can join. WisconsinRx is a not-for-profit cooperative. Those who join are not merely members, they are stakeholders in the enterprise. This means their voice is heard in the decision-making process.

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Can public entities join WisconsinRx?

Yes.

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How can my company become a member?

Contact WisconsinRx at (608) 204-9479 or info@wisconsinrx.com for details on how to become a member.