The PBM Putting Pharmacists at the Center of Formulary Design

Due to their medication expertise and close connection with patients in the community, among many other things, pharmacists have emerged as key figures in educating patients on drug coverage and medication management. While pharmacy services and awareness have increased over the years, major insurers and corporations have historically favored advice from other providers when designing things like formularies.

However, at pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like LucyRx—where leaders understand pharmacy’s biggest cost-related challenges—pharmacists are being tapped as the providers who will correct drug access and cost in the US.

“Pharmacists influenced the program from the very beginning, starting with the formulary, because pharmacists are central to good formulary design,” Susan Thomas, RN, chief commercial officer at LucyRx, told Drug Topics. “They led the work with our pharmacy and therapeutics committee to review which therapies really matter for women in midlife.”

Thomas joined us in part 3 of our interview series on the LucyRx Women’s Health Benefit program to discuss the role pharmacists played in creating the resource, from their understanding of formulary coverage to their heightened expertise in interacting with patients.

LucyRx is a non-traditional PBM that’s been causing disruption in the pharmacy benefits market, alongside a slew of other PBMs attempting to revamp prescription drug coverage for the benefit of US patients and consumers nationwide. Through collective collaboration with pharmacists and other providers—and now providing patients with direct resources for women’s health—Lucy is looking to continue its fight for better patient outcomes throughout 2026 with its recently launched initiative.

READ MORE: Women’s Health Resource Center

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