BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, in partnership with 18 independent and locally-operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies throughout the country and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), announced a partnership with nonprofit generic drug company,Civica RX, to create a subsidiary dedicated to lowering the cost of select generic drugs.

The bold new $55 million partnership was formed in response to the impact of high drug costs on the health of Americans and will result in meaningful savings for individuals and families, with the first generic medications becoming available by 2022.

“This new partnership reflects BlueCross BlueShield’s commitment to lowering health care costs, improving access to much-needed medications and most importantly enhancing the health of our community,” said David W. Anderson, President and CEO, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “It’s an innovative solution that will help shape the future of health care for BlueCross BlueShield members across the country, including the nearly one million members we proudly serve in Western New York.”

BCBSA and BCBS plans’ capital commitment will bring select high-cost generic drugs to market for consumers.
The subsidiary will acquire and develop Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) for select generic drugs and partner with Civica and other manufacturers to bring more affordable generic drugs to local markets in exchange for aggregated volume and multiyear purchasing commitments. Initially, several generic medications identified as having high potential for savings will be prioritized by the partnership and will evolve into a platform that can be used to enhance competition for additional generic drugs.

“Serving patients is our privilege and our responsibility—one that we are proud to share with BCBS companies who are committed to tackling one of the most important health care challenges of our time,” Martin VanTrieste, Civica president and CEO said. “Numerous studies confirm that medication costs can dictate whether individuals fill or ration their generic prescriptions. Together with BCBS companies, we are taking action to put patients first.”

BCBS companies currently participating in the Civica partnership include:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, Capital BlueCross, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield*, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield*, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Hawaii, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Blue Cross of Idaho, Independence Blue Cross, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and BlueShield of Northeastern New York, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Federal Employee Program.
*Pending state regulatory approval.
To learn more visit bcbs.com/CivicaRx

About BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., one of New York’s leading health care companies that provides access to quality health care and solutions for members throughout Upstate New York. Since 1936, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people gain access to health care. Today, we offer a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as life and disability coverage, dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. The company contributes significantly to organizations that promote physical health, community health and our region’s health, and BlueCross BlueShield employees also raise and donate several hundred thousand dollars each year. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, the company is an independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.

About Civica Rx
Civica is a public asset founded in September 2018 and formed by three philanthropies and numerous health care organizations that now represent over 1,200 U.S. hospitals in 46 states. It is a nonprofit enterprise designed to reduce chronic generic drug shortages and predatory pricing. Led by an experienced team of health care and pharmaceutical industry leaders, Civica is making strides to ensure patients and their needs come first and that essential generic medications are accessible and affordable. To learn more about our mission and team, please visit CivicaRx.org.