Centene Selects Express Scripts to Provide PBM Benefits in 2024

We wrote in May 2022 that Centene Corporation (Centene) announced that it reached its pharmacy platform migration milestones and was engaged in strategic discussions with potential PBM partners about how to drive additional quality and value in delivering pharmacy benefits to its members.

Centene also announced that it released the RFP that will cover the company’s more than $40 billion of pharmacy spend in 2022. Centene most recently partnered with CVS Health.

Now we know who won the contract as Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefits management business of Cigna Corporation’s Evernorth, announced a new strategic collaboration with Centene to make prescription medications more accessible and affordable for customers.

Beginning in January 2024, Express Scripts will manage pharmacy benefits for approximately 20 million Centene members. In addition to greater savings on prescription drugs, Centene customers will also have access to Express Scripts’ extensive national network of retail pharmacies. Centene selected Express Scripts to administer pharmacy benefits after a competitive bidding process.

To unlock additional prescription drug savings and better health outcomes for customers served by both organizations, Express Scripts and Centene will work together to enhance early detection of health episodes, close gaps in care, and drive improved clinical outcomes.

 

Takeaway: Centene diversification of its pharmacy business continues as the company continues to focus on its core business and value creation