According to a Sept. 15 press release, CVS Caremark, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) of CVS Health, announced the expansion of its efforts to decrease health disparities for patients with certain conditions like sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and cardiovascular disease, by collaborating with local partners and utilizing its enterprise assets.
The release states that “The company is increasing its investments in programs that address barriers to care and developing additional initiatives to help disadvantaged populations and alleviate inequities in the U.S. health care system.”
Further, “CVS Caremark’s approach will focus on the following principles:
- A four-pillar programmatic approach: 1) awareness and educational resources, 2) testing and screening, 3) access to health services, and 4) treatment optimization interventions
- Collaborate with community-based organizations and patient advocacy groups to deliver care where the people are
- Utilize enterprise assets including health care services available in CVS HealthHUB® locations and legacy corporate social responsibility programs such as Project Health where appropriate
- Measure and share results on an ongoing basis for continuous learning”
Alan Lotvin M.D., president of CVS Caremark and EVP of CVS Health, was quoted in the release saying that “We serve one in three Americans and have the information and insights that help us understand not just where the disparities in care are occurring but, most importantly, why. We know systemic inequities have existed for decades and can’t be solved by one person, community or company. We believe we have the obligation and the ability to partner with others to change the health trajectory for many patients who have been impacted by them for too long.”
CVS Caremark is working with its clients to create strategies for health equity for PBM members with conditions that disproportionately affect patients of color. CVS Caremark will also collaborate with community partners to influence systemic change for individuals who have been struggling with disease for years and also for those who are newly diagnosed.
For individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), one of the goals for CVS Caremark is to double the number of patients on hydroxyurea—a low-cost medication for SCD that helps patients better manage their condition by reversing the sickling of blood cells—and improving adherence of individuals already taking the medication. For HIV, CVS Caremark is looking to improve awareness about testing and prevention—especially for communities of color by providing educational materials and helping patients initiate preventative therapy when applicable. And for those with cardiovascular disease, the company plans to increase medication therapy for individuals facing health disparities, as well as help to ensure those who are already on medication therapy receive the optimal dosage to reach their target blood pressure and continue their regimen.
The release concludes that “In all disease areas, the company will work with local community organizations and advocacy groups to ensure those facing health inequities have access to the resources and care they need.”
