The pharmacy industry is broken, but Marley Drug is fixing it, one prescription and patient at a time.
The pharmacy industry has long been shaped by the complexities of insurance requirements and limited options for patients seeking affordable medications. Neil Owens, President and COO at Marley Drug, recognized these challenges and sought a way to improve the system. After observing firsthand how many patients struggled with accessing medications due to high costs or insurance barriers, Owens and the team at Marley Drug set out to create a more accessible solution for patients.
A New Approach to Medication Access
Founded in 2003, Marley Drug began as a traditional pharmacy serving the local community in Winston-Salem, NC. Over time the company expanded its operations to reach a national audience, introducing an innovative business model. In 2012, Marley Drug began offering a cash-price-first approach, which provided an alternative to the insurance-dependent model that often left patients with high out-of-pocket costs.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of insurance status, can access medications at affordable prices,” Owens explains.
One of the first successes of this new model was the offering of ZYPITAMAG (pitavastatin), a statin used to treat high cholesterol. Traditional pharmacies often charged over $300 for a 30-day supply of this medication, even with insurance coverage. In contrast, Marley Drug offered the same medication for just $34.50, making it more accessible to patients who previously faced financial barriers to obtaining their prescriptions.
Addressing Systemic Challenges in Healthcare
The introduction of ZYPITAMAG at Marley Drug highlighted a larger issue with the existing pharmacy model. While insurance is intended to help make medications affordable, many patients encounter complications such as high co-pays, denied claims, or medications that are not covered. This often results in frustration and financial strain, as patients are forced to choose between their health and their finances.
“Insurance can sometimes create more barriers than it removes, leaving patients with limited options and high costs,” Owens says.
By offering medications at transparent cash prices, Marley Drug aims to eliminate these barriers and provide a more direct and affordable path to obtaining necessary treatments.
Innovative Business Model in the Pharmacy Industry
Marley Drug’s decision to bypass intermediaries such as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) has allowed the company to offer medications at a significantly lower price than traditional pharmacies. This direct model enables the company to provide patients with a more streamlined process and better pricing options.
“By cutting out the middlemen, we’re able to offer medications like ZYPITAMAG at much lower prices,” Owens notes. “The pharmaceutical industry has become increasingly complex and inflated, which makes it harder for patients to afford their prescriptions.”
Marley Drug expanded its offerings beyond ZYPITAMAG, including other branded medications such as BRENZAVVY (bexagliflozin), a drug used for diabetes. The price for BRENZAVVY at Marley Drug was $59.95 for a 30-day supply, significantly lower than the retail price at many traditional pharmacies.
Patient Stories and Impact
While pricing is a key aspect of Marley Drug’s approach, the company is equally focused on providing excellent customer service. Patient feedback reflects the positive impact Marley Drug has had on their access to medications.
Kathy H., a patient who had difficulty affording high-cholesterol medication, shared her experience:
“Marley Drug helped me obtain ZYPITAMAG at a fraction of the cost compared to local pharmacies. This affordable option helped me manage my cholesterol, and the staff was helpful and responsive.”
Similarly, Sherril H. shared how Marley Drug provided a solution when other medications caused side effects:
“After switching to ZYPITAMAG from another statin, I experienced fewer side effects, and my cholesterol levels improved. I’m thankful for the service and support from Marley Drug.”
Expanding Access to Medications Nationwide
In just a few years, Marley Drug’s approach to affordable medications has gained national attention. The company now serves customers in all 50 states and U.S. territories, offering a variety of medications at competitive cash prices. Their e-commerce platform has streamlined access, with over 150 generic medications available on their Wholesale Price List at lower costs than traditional pharmacies – just $70 per year..
Marley Drug’s commitment to transparent pricing and patient-centered service has earned the company recognition in the healthcare industry. In 2023, they were awarded the Excellence in Customer Service Award, further affirming the positive impact of their business model.
Looking Ahead: A Patient-Centered Future for Pharmacy
Marley Drug’s continued growth reflects a shift in how pharmacies can better serve patients. Their focus on transparency, affordable pricing, and personalized service is changing the way people think about accessing healthcare.
As Marley Drug continues to expand its offerings, their commitment to putting patients first remains the cornerstone of their approach. With the focus on empowering patients to make informed decisions about their medications, Marley Drug is poised to help reshape the future of pharmacy.
For more information, visit Marley Drug’s website at www.marleydrug.com, or follow them on social media:
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