Elevance Health, the parent company of CarelonRx, has acquired Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, a leading clinical pharmacy specializing in infusion and mail order pharmacy services. This strategic acquisition underscores Elevance Health's deep-rooted commitment to improving health outcomes for plan members battling chronic and complex conditions across the United States.
Expanding specialty pharmacy services to meet growing needs
Kroger Specialty Pharmacy serves plan members with chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and bleeding disorders, among others. With a clinical team available 24/7 to answer plan members’ questions and home infusion capabilities supported by a network of thousands of nurses, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy has continuously delivered high-touch, compassionate care coupled with specialized clinical knowledge.
Kroger Specialty Pharmacy will now operate under CarelonRx, the pharmacy services manager within Carelon, Elevance Health’s health services division. This acquisition will enhance CarelonRx’s ability to provide high-quality and convenient specialty pharmacy services. The expanded capabilities will ensure that more plan members have reliable access to essential medications and infusions, fostering better health outcomes and overall wellness.
Committed to whole health
This acquisition is a natural extension of Elevance Health's whole-health strategy. Combining Kroger Specialty Pharmacy's expertise with Elevance Health’s extensive resources, the goal is to optimize plan member outcomes through personalized, total-life care programs and administrative excellence.
Benefits for plan members and healthcare providers
The acquisition endeavors to maintain the high standard of care that Kroger Specialty Pharmacy customers are accustomed to, with no anticipated disruption in services.
Providers partnering with Kroger Specialty Pharmacy can also continue to expect the same level of service, ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted. Elevance Health is dedicated to maintaining and building on the robust provider relationships established by Kroger Specialty Pharmacy.
Looking ahead
Elevance Health's acquisition of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy positions the company to meet the growing need for specialty medications more effectively by offering greater access and affordability to plan members nationwide.
This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Elevance Health to enhance specialty pharmacy services. Recent milestones include the acquisition of Paragon Healthcare, which specializes in infusible and injectable therapies, and BioPlus, which offers comprehensive specialty pharmacy services. CarelonRx, under Elevance Health, has expanded to include three new BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy dispensing centers and is set to open four non-dispensing pharmacies across various states, further reflecting its commitment to expanding specialty pharmacy delivery and medication management.
The acquisition of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy marks a significant step forward in transforming healthcare delivery for those with chronic and complex conditions. By bringing together specialized clinical knowledge and a commitment to holistic wellness, Elevance Health continues to advance its mission of supporting whole health and improving the lives of those who depend on specialty medications.
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