A Message from Mona Chitre
As we move through 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work we’re doing together to support access to care and improve health outcomes. We take the trust you place in us seriously. From simplifying our processes to navigating the pharmacy landscape, our goal remains the same: make care more accessible and affordable.
2025 Pharmacy Updates
- Reliable Pharmacy Access, Even as Local Stores Close
While Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) continues to offer a robust network of pharmacies, some communities across the country are beginning to experience what are known as "pharmacy deserts"—areas where access to nearby pharmacies are becoming limited. This trend is being driven in part by large chains like Rite Aid closing hundreds of locations, often in rural and underserved areas. These closures can make it more difficult for individuals, especially older adults and those without reliable transportation, to access the medications and care they need.
To lessen the burden on members, our teams are coordinating outreach to those impacted to offer them contact information of pharmacies in close proximity to the one that is disrupted. Excellus BCBS also provides information about convenient solutions through trusted partners such as Wegmans Home Delivery® and Express Scripts Pharmacy®. Employees in need of a new pharmacy can use the Find a Pharmacy search tool on our website or call Customer Care where our advocates are ready to offer support. These services ensure that employees can continue receiving their prescriptions reliably, even if a local pharmacy closes.
- Step Therapy Law Update for NYS
Effective January 1, 2026, New York State will implement new restrictions on step therapy protocols under Assembly Bill A443. As always, we will continue to abide by all rules and regulations while still providing access to the most appropriate and cost effective drug therapy. Our drug policies are based on current literature and only require step therapy when clinically appropriate.
- Outlook for the Oncology Drug Pipeline
The oncology drug pipeline is shifting rapidly in 2025, with seven new cancer treatments already approved and nine more anticipated to be approved. This wave of innovation gives employees expanded treatment options, and more targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
In addition, notable market shifts are emerging that should help control trend. For instance, some drugs in the cancer category are losing exclusivity, opening the door for new drugs and therapies. A recent example of this is the drug Xgeva, which is used in patients undergoing various cancer treatments to improve or protect bone health. The FDA recently approved three biosimilars for Xgeva, Wyost, Bomyntra and Osenvelt, infusing competition into the market, which means more opportunity to bring value to you.
Plus, over the next five years, some high-cost drugs will begin to lose patent protections, which may lead to the introduction of more affordable alternatives.
- Audit Case Study Confirms that We’re Delivering on Our Promises
We’re proud to share the results of a recent pharmacy audit that confirms what we strive for every day – trustworthy, accurate service. A large employer group recently conducted a full audit of our pharmacy benefit services. Over a three-year review covering 40,000 members, the audit had zero findings. Every claim, payment, and fee aligned with the contract; with no billing errors, missing savings or unwanted surprises.The clean audit reinforces the confidence your business can place in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. It is a testament to our strong internal controls, commitment to financial accuracy and dedication to doing the right thing, every time. It’s not just about passing a test; it’s about proving we’re a partner you can trust.
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Managing Rising Costs, Prioritizing Employee Health
Health care costs are rising nationwide due to factors like expensive prescription drugs, more outpatient procedures, and high hospital costs which are affecting both individuals and organizations. We’re committed to helping your employees access quality care without letting rising costs get in the way. As a nonprofit, we spend 92 cents of every premium dollar on medical care, and we’re tackling affordability through a range of innovative programs. These include pharmacy support, preventive care, chronic condition management, and personalized guidance from experienced medical directors, all designed to keep employees healthier while managing costs.
As we navigate a fast-changing health care landscape, our commitment stays rooted in the people we serve. Whether it’s expanding access to life-saving treatments, ensuring affordability, or delivering a service you can count on, we’re in this together. Thank you for your continued trust in Excellus BCBS. I look forward to what we’ll achieve next year.
If you’re exploring ways to deliver smarter pharmacy savings at no extra cost, take a moment to download our core pharmacy suite brochure. It's a simple, integrated solution designed to reduce waste, control high-dollar claims and support better outcomes so that everybody can benefit.
Get Our Core Pharmacy Suite Brochure
With appreciation,
Mona Chitre, Chief Pharmacy Officer & President of Pharmacy Solutions
Additional Articles
In case you missed any of our previous Rx News content. Here is a recap of some helpful resources.
- 2026 Large Group Product Updates and Reminders
- Current Injectable GLP-1 Mail Order Prescriptions From Express Scripts® Pharmacy Transitioning To EnGuide Pharmacy
- Updated Fully Insured And Minimum Premium Documentation for 2025 CAA Gag Clause Attestation
- Prescription Drug Collection (RxDC) Report Submitted
- Rite Aid Pharmacy Closures
- Unlock Smarter Pharmacy Spending: Top 3 Takeaways
- Keeping Pharmacy Services On Track
- 2025 Exclusive Pharmacy Update from Mona Chitre
- When Powerful Pharmacy Solutions Meet Personalized Care, Everybody Benefits®
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management: How We’re Making a Difference
