Every October, Medicare-eligible patients are bombarded with phone calls, emails, and advertisements urging them to choose their Medicare Advantage (MAPD) or Part D plan for the upcoming year. It’s a chaotic time for seniors and a critical opportunity for independent pharmacies.
Independent pharmacy has a unique advantage during this season. You already have trusted relationships and accessibility that call centers and large insurance agencies simply can’t match. Mrs. Jones would much rather sit down with someone she knows at her local pharmacy than take a cold call from a Humana representative in another state.
What used to be a manual process of typing medications into CMS.gov has now evolved into advanced technology platforms and agency partnerships. Independent pharmacies today have access to solutions like:
With this growing spectrum of options, pharmacies have more tools than ever to protect patients and profits but it all starts with a plan.
Many seniors fall victim to predatory enrollment practices by biased agents and call centers who steer patients toward mail order or chain pharmacy options often under the false promise that “you can still fill at your local pharmacy.” Then, come January 1, your patient finds out they’re locked into a PBM-owned mail order plan.
Your goal as a pharmacy: help each patient find an affordable plan that fits their medication profile and lets them continue filling prescriptions with you.
Let your customers know you’ve got their back. Use every available channel to promote your Medicare support services:
Even a simple message “We can help you find the right plan and keep your pharmacy!” can start important conversations.
Be prepared to speak confidently about the plans you’re contracted with either through your PSAO or a technology partner. When customers see that you understand their options, they’re more likely to stay loyal to your pharmacy.
If you don’t feel comfortable handling Medicare plan reviews yourself, partner with a trusted agent who understands independent pharmacy. Avoid anyone biased toward a specific carrier instead, find or train someone whose goal aligns with yours: keeping patients in your store and optimizing their healthcare experience.
Each fall, open enrollment creates both disruption and opportunity. Your patients trust you use that relationship to guide them through the noise.
Independent pharmacies that take charge of this process strengthen customer loyalty, protect margins, and reinforce their role as the true healthcare hub of the community.