LifeWise improves access to common immunizations at pharmacies

LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon is announcing a new step to remove barriers to care by providing improved access to common immunizations at pharmacies. LifeWise members can now simply present their member card at a pharmacy - just as they do at their doctor's office - to receive immunizations.

“We want members to have convenient access to important, preventive immunizations”

"We want members to have convenient access to important, preventive immunizations," said Ed Wong, LifeWise's Vice President for Pharmacy Services. "Immunizations administered at pharmacies used to require members to pay the cost in full, and then fill out a paper claim for reimbursement. That meant more work for our members to be reimbursed."

Members can obtain vaccines for seasonal flu, adult shingles or pneumococcal immunization at discounted pricing through pharmacies in LifeWise's network offering such services. Examples of applicable retail pharmacies include: Walgreens, Costco, Safeway, Target, Rite Aid, and Fred Meyer.

"While children are more likely to have a visit with their doctor that includes immunizations, many adults will find value in this opportunity for easier access to vaccines," added Wong. This new streamlined process reduces both hassle and significant out-of-pocket costs for members seeking more expensive adult vaccines, such as for shingles, which can cost approximately $192 a dose.

This new step is another way LifeWise is working to control costs for our members and create a sustainable healthcare system. Obtaining immunizations at the pharmacy is not only more convenient for many members, it helps reduce administrative costs associated with claims processing and takes advantage of discounted pricing through network pharmacies.