SCAN Health Plan is taking proactive measures to lower the expenses associated with name-brand medications while introducing specialized Medicare Advantage (MA) plans designed for specific customer groups.
In a groundbreaking move, certain SCAN MA plans will provide access to 13 name-brand medications, including six featured on President Joe Biden’s drug price negotiation list. These medications, such as Eliquis, Xarelto, Jardiance, Januvia, Farxiga, Entresto, Tradjenta, Janumet, Synjardy, Xigduo, Trijardy, Glyxambi, and Jentadueto, will be available to beneficiaries at either $0 or $11 per month starting in 2024, as reported by Axios.
SCAN Health Plan is electing to reduce costs for seniors two years ahead of the government’s planned implementation of the drug price negotiation program. Even in the face of potential legal challenges, SCAN’s Chief Pharmacy Officer, Sharon Jhawar, has reaffirmed their commitment to honoring their insurance plans, believing that they offer superior value to customers compared to competitors’ plans. Some plans will offer a $0 copayment for select diabetes and cardiovascular drugs, while others may require a maximum payment of $11. Notably, customers will not be subjected to prior authorization requirements.
By encouraging beneficiaries to adhere to their prescription medications, the MA insurer anticipates long-term cost savings by preventing costly hospitalizations, as explained by Jhawar.
In addition to this initiative, SCAN is introducing SCAN Inspired, one of the first MA plans exclusively tailored for women. Members will benefit from $0 estrogen therapy, an expanded over-the-counter catalog featuring women’s health products, access to top-tier fitness facilities and boutique studios, reimbursement for weight management programs, and the opportunity to participate in health and wellness events.
Additionally, SCAN’s special needs plans will expand to cover additional locations starting in 2024.
In October of the previous year, SCAN launched SCAN Affirm, a plan specifically designed for LGBTQ+ seniors in partnership with Included Health. This plan offers a care concierge and navigation platform aimed at enhancing health literacy. Membership has grown to 1,000 members and will expand from Los Angeles and Riverside counties to include San Diego, Orange, and San Francisco counties, effective January 1.
SCAN Health Plan’s Geographic Presence and Inspire Plan Details
- SCAN Health Plan currently serves the following states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and New Mexico.
- The Inspire plan is initially accessible through a partnership with Cedars-Sinai and is available in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
