Frequently Asked Questions

What is WisconsinRx and National CooperativeRx?
What is the purpose of the coalition?
How will WisconsinRx/National CooperativeRx 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/National CooperativeRx?
Can any business join?
Can public entities join?
How can my company become a member?

What is WisconsinRx and National CooperativeRx?

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.

The coalition is formed as a not for profit cooperative, owned and governed by its members. It’s operates throughout the U.S. through its National CooperativeRx division.

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What is the purpose of the coalition?

• 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 national 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/National CooperativeRx 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/National CooperativeRx?

WisconsinRx/National CooperativeRx currently serves 450 employers and employer organizations nationwide providing prescription drug benefits to approximately 250,000 employees and dependents. The coalition was found by three employer organizations: 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.

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Can any business join?

Yes, any business or coalition that can carve out its drug spend 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?

Yes.

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How can my company become a member?

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