SmithRx Blog

Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.

Asking the right questions can greatly affect your PBM pricing. Learn the best questions to ask your PBM about transparent pricing here.

Reflecting on a successful start to 2025, SmithRx highlights its commitment to exceptional service during peak season. Learn how we ensured smooth onboarding for new clients and members, and maintained high member satisfaction through dedicated support and helpful resources.

US healthcare is broken, and large pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are to blame. Here are three key problem areas that need to change.

Let's take a look at the top 4 PBM trends to watch in 2025, from transparency to value-based contracts, and how they impact healthcare costs.

Discover effective strategies for employers to help reduce prescription drug costs for their workforce. Learn about generic medications, optimizing insurance plans, and utilizing discount programs to better manage healthcare expenses.

Learn how Multiple Sclerosis impacts employees, the role of DMTs and generics in treatment, and how employers can support workers with resources from NMSS

Learn how legacy PBMs put employers at risk, from using outdated practices to keeping costs hidden—and discover how switching to a modern PBM can protect your business and employees.

Find out how employers benefit from low-cost prescriptions, and see how working with the right PBM can lower spend on drug and treatment costs for your business.

As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers and plan sponsors are continually being pressed to find solutions.

It’s clear to most Americans that our medical costs are higher than they should be, and that drug prices in particular are growing out of control.

Learn the differences between AWP vs. WAC here, and find out why they matter when it comes to your company’s pharmacy benefits.

Discover how AgXplore achieved a $344 PMPM reduction and 57x ROI by switching to SmithRx—improving costs and the employee experience.

SmithRx CEO Jake Frenz addresses recent news coverage scrutinizing traditional PBM practices. He highlights how SmithRx's transparent, client-focused approach differs from legacy PBMs.

The latest PBM Customer Satisfaction Report from the Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG) presents findings that are clear signals of a significant industry shift. 

Community pharmacies, central to local health and economy, face challenges from the rise of large healthcare conglomerates. This shift threatens to increase costs, limit choices, and lower healthcare quality.

Confused about generic vs. brand-name drugs? Discover key differences in price, ingredients, and effectiveness. Learn how to make informed choices for your health and wallet.

Discover the growing impact of cardiometabolic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease on healthcare costs. Learn how GLP-1 treatments, such as Ozempic®, are reshaping pharmaceutical demand and benefit management. Find out what brokers and employers need to know to make informed healthcare plan decisions and manage costs effectively.

SmithRx’s Connect 360 reduces drug costs for a wide range of prescription drugs — all for a low flat fee. Learn how brokers, employers, and members can benefit.

Master medication safety by understanding drug labels. Learn 10 key label components, get pharmacist consultation tips, and manage prescriptions easily with SmithRx. Empower your health through proper medication knowledge.

Discover 7 key lessons from industry leaders like Mark Cuban, Dr. Avantika Waring, and SmithRx CEO Jake Frenz on how employers can challenge legacy PBMs, reduce costs, and improve transparency in pharmacy benefits.

The prior authorization process can be frustrating. Read more about how SmithRx makes the process more streamlined and transparent with real-time details.

How important is it for plan sponsors to cover GLP-1s? We asked experts to share their advice and insights on the trending medication.

Learn how Fifth Group Restaurants saved $250K on pharmacy benefits with SmithRx's transparent, innovative approach to cutting healthcare costs for businesses.

Find out how drug rebates impact prescription costs, and learn strategies for employers to reduce employees’ out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

On January 31, 2023, Amgen released Amjevita, the first biosimilar for AbbVie’s Humira.

Big PBMs like OptumRx, Caremark, Prime, and Express Scripts have heard the market demand

Learn the different ways how prescription drug lists affect medication costs. Explore drug tiers, cost-saving strategies, and what you can do if your medication is not on the list.

Learn how to evaluate your PBM partner to get the most savings possible. Discover what to look for in a current or potential PBM partner here

Every American knows that our healthcare system is broken. We all feel the frustration of dealing with the confusing paperwork, archaic systems, and ever-increasing costs. Why is this happening?

Understanding how PBMs determine prescription drug prices can help you choose who to work with. Learn more about PBM drug pricing here.

We have previously discussed the standard methods used to evaluate PBMs and how contract definitions can impact PBM accountability in complex ways.

Learn how an international beverage distribution company reduced PMPM costs by 27% thanks to Gallagher and SmithRx

Good news: Amazon Pharmacy is now available to all SmithRx members.

SmithRx's newest Connect 360 program for Multiple Sclerosis ensures members can receive their medication at no cost, while employer groups enjoy upfront savings ranging from 72-99.8%.

SmithRx is forging new pathways to make insulin more affordable. Starting July 1, 2023, biosimilar insulin products manufactured by Lilly

mithRx is driving down healthcare costs with the introduction of Stelara biosimilars in Connect 360. Our Autoimmune Program delivers a 95% reduction in medication costs and $0 copays for members. Learn how our transparent PBM model makes high-cost treatments affordable.

We take comparison shopping for granted in most areas of our life. Thanks to Amazon, Google, and others

As the world battled the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, with heightened measures to quarantine and social distance

Discover how legacy PBMs hide true costs through complex fee structures. Learn about SmithRx's transparent pricing model that offers a simpler, more cost-effective alternative to traditional PBM services.

A recent Wall Street Journal article reveals unexpected cost increases from mail-order pharmacies. Our blog highlights key issues for brokers and plan sponsors, including rising drug costs and choosing a conflict-free PBM.

At this year’s Brown & Brown “Benefits Evolved” event in Dallas, SmithRx Founder and CEO, Jake Frenz, took the stage with Mark Cuban to discuss how brokers can reshape the healthcare landscape. 

Modern PBM reporting: Transparency and insights. Evaluate costs, track savings, and improve member experience. Key metrics and actionable data to maximize your PBM's value.

The Big 3 PBMs manage thousands of “MAC lists” which enable them to charge different prices for the same drug

Learn how PMPM–Per Member Per Month–impacts self-insured employers and pharmacy benefits management strategies, and find out how PMPM influences healthcare cost management.

Discover the key differences between closed and open formularies and their impact on healthcare costs. Learn how these formulary types affect your medication access and influence cost management strategies.

We are approaching the last quarter of the year which means renewal season for many self-funded employers.

Learn how HR leaders can navigate PBM reform and modernize prescription benefits.

SmithRx's new Connect Care offering, in partnership with 9amHealth, will provide patients with prevention and lifestyle interventions

TheracosBio and SmithRx, a next-generation pharmacy benefits management (PBM) company

Transparency-Rx embraces Congressional reform, as a catalyst of changes to the PBM market

The SmithRx member portal is designed to put you in control of your own health. Here’s a refresher on a few of the things you can do (or access) in the portal.

Suffering from seasonal allergies? Learn about causes, at-home remedies, common medications for relief, and where to find the lowest-cost meds.

Today we’re excited to share a pivotal milestone in our journey at SmithRx: our $60 Million Series C financing round.

Beat skyrocketing drug prices with our expert tips. Learn how to slash your prescription costs and save money without compromising your health.

SmithRx is now offering Amazon Pharmacy as a home delivery option for your medications. Learn how to get a hassle-free experience that saves you time and money.

The use of Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) is the most common method implemented by employers to facilitate providing

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (Cost Plus Drugs) has joined the SmithRx pharmacy network!

SmithRx, a next-generation pharmacy benefits management company, today announced the closing of a $20 million series B financing round

This is the Blog Description

While drug costs are increasing rapidly, SmithRx’s clients see pharmacy costs fall or remain flat

There are always new opportunities to save on drugs. We appreciate the continuous innovation especially as the market evolves and programs change.

SmithRx Partner Portal 2.0: Discover enhanced PBM tools for streamlined analytics, reporting, and client management. Boost efficiency and drive success with our newly refreshed platform.

At SmithRx, we’re all about transparency and passing through savings for prescription drug coverage.

2023 was a year about demonstrating true transparency in pharmacy benefits management. It was about nurturing an experience that consistently puts our clients and members first.

Teaming up with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, SmithRx will start offering members Yusimry beginning in July 2023

In the wake of CVS Health's recent announcement to revamp its drug pricing model, those of us in the pharmacy benefits management world are compelled to examine these changes with a critical eye.

Read this case study to discover how St. Mary’s School reduced Rx costs by 60% and saved over $100K with SmithRx’s transparent pharmacy benefits solution.

Explore the success story of TLC Property Management, SmithRx, and the Tedrick Group in overcoming soaring pharmacy benefits costs while enhancing employee satisfaction.

FTC Chair Lina Khan discusses the harmful impact of anti-competitive practices in the PBM industry on CBS This Morning. She highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and the risks of vertical integration.

Uncover the significant price difference between Johnson & Johnson's plan with PBM Express Scripts and SmithRx's cost-effective approach. Find out how our solutions can save on prescription costs.

Learn the difference between tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 prescription drugs, and find out why a cost-focused PBM like SmithRx enables more affordable access to medications.

The FTC’s latest report exposes PBM pricing tactics that SmithRx has long warned about. Employers can act now with a transparent PBM model.

As the SVP of Product Strategy at SmithRx, I've been closely following Cigna’s announcement about their new “cost plus” pharmacy network.

Discover six crucial areas where modern PBMs are redefining the industry, offering insights into how these innovations are creating more transparent, efficient, and client-focused pharmacy benefit solutions.

Discover why member satisfaction is key to better health outcomes and cost savings when it comes to PBMs. See how SmithRx delivers superior results by prioritizing positive member experience.

Explore the modern PBM experience and key criteria for employers, including account support, member service, and cost-saving programs that deliver real value.

Ozempic, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is a medication FDA approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Explore the paradox between cost-based and discount-based PBM evaluation methods. Learn why cost-based evaluation, which focuses on actual drug costs, leads to lower expenses and greater transparency, optimizing overall pharmacy spend.

Big PBMs have become the masters of generating massive profits using hidden fees. This is how Caremark, the PBM owned by CVS, generated more profit

Working with a benefits broker can improve the quality of the benefits offered to employees. Learn the top questions to ask a Benefits Broker here.

After nearly two decades of patent exclusivity and $200 billion in sales

Discover the 5 key questions you should be asking your pharmacist to ensure your medications are safe, effective, and working as they should. Stay informed and healthy.

Once Again, the Financial Burden Falls on Employers and Patients

SmithRx's first Broker Account Manager Summit in Dallas united industry professionals for intensive learning and networking.

The demand for transparency and affordability in prescription drug pricing has never been more critical.

At SmithRx we think about pharmacy benefits through the lens of self-insured employers. What these employers want is lower pharmacy costs

Discover how value-based care is reshaping healthcare by focusing on patient outcomes and lowering costs. PBMs are shifting towards this model to provide more efficient and patient-centered care.

Have you ever gone to pick up a prescription and been surprised by the cost (either more or less than you expected)?

MAC list arbitrage occurs when PBMs take advantage of price differences, which can make prescription medications more expensive for employers. In this piece, we'll break down how MAC list arbitrage affects budgets and healthcare costs.

In this post, we aim to equip you with some of the insights and tools needed to discern the realities of Pharmacy Benefit Manager practices, ensuring that your decisions are informed and your healthcare management is as cost-efficient and (truly) transparent as possible.

Legacy PBMs are well-known for their vertical integration strategies, which have significantly transformed the healthcare market, often to its detriment.

In this article, we define the difference between transparent and pass-through contracts. While often used interchangeably, they represent two distinct aspects of PBM operations. 

SmithRx is forging new pathways to make insulin more affordable. The SmithRx Low Cost Insulin Program decreases the cost of insulin at the pharmacy for employer groups and members.

GLP-1s manage diabetes and aid weight loss but are costly due to high demand. Employers face challenges balancing coverage and costs. Strategic planning and transparent partnerships can help manage these expenses effectively.

Concerned about rising drug costs for your self-insured plan? Explore how PBMs negotiate lower prices and implement strategies to save your company money.

Need a medication that is not on the formulary? Learn more about formulary exceptions and how to request coverage for non-formulary drugs.

Discover what a formulary is, how they are created, and how formularies can make managing your prescriptions more convenient and cost-effective.

Learn how PDLs impact coverage and costs for self-insured employers and employees and their role within pharmacy benefit management.

Discover how spread pricing in PBMs can inflate drug costs for self-insured employers. Learn strategies to mitigate its impact and choose a transparent PBM partner like SmithRx.

With new biosimilars for Humira available this year, many of you have had questions about biosimilars

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) were established in the 1980’s as a solution to facilitate the electronic transaction

Learn what a PBM admin fee is, how it compares to other PBM-related fees, and why understanding these costs can help employers and brokers choose the right Pharmacy Benefit Manager.

Discover why drug prices keep rising in America. Learn how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their discount-based contracts contribute to skyrocketing costs, impacting your wallet and healthcare.

Small, self-insured groups beware of 'too good to be true' offers from fully insured carriers. Learn how to take control of your healthcare costs, avoid hidden fees, and improve outcomes for your employees.