Learning Objectives: Explain the benefits and challenges of integrating a PBM system into their own tobacco cessation program.
Abstract: Problem: Many tobacco control programs do not offer a standardized process by which cessation pharmacotherapy is efficiently dispensed and tracked. This report addresses the unique partnership between a state tobacco control program and a nationally based pharmacy benefit management (PBM) organization. PBM’s typically work with insurance plans to track the dispensing of prescribed medications.
Methods: The State tobacco control program (“AzTEPP”) issued an RFP to secure a qualified entity to track and report on the dispensing of cessation pharmacotherapy throughout Arizona. Applicants were required to address cost, geographic coverage of contracted pharmacies, IT systems and capabilities, ability to establish new pharmacy relationships, and willingness to work with communities. Once a particular PBM was awarded, the AzTEPP and the PBM quickly designed a web-based database in which state sponsored cessation facilitators can, in a standard and efficient manner, input client information and issue vouchers. All state sponsored cessation facilitators and coordinators were required to be trained on the new database. Only after enrolling and attending an intensive behavioral intervention is the client issued vouchers on a weekly basis. Vouchers are redeemable at any of the 800+ pharmacies contracted with the PBM. The benefit itself presently includes the “patch”, “gum”, and Zyban (with prescription) at a 50% discounted rate.
Results: In the course of 2 months, 300+ vouchers have been redeemed and nearly 2800 claims have been successfully adjudicated.
Conclusion: Working with a PBM provides for an efficient and standardized method for issuing vouchers and tracking dispensed tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy.
Back to Poster Session
Back to Cessation, Nicotine, and the Science of Addiction
Back to The 2003 National Conference on Tobacco or Health (December 10-12, 2003)