PBM implements benefits for 1.3 million Medicaid members in just 10 days
AVENTURA, Fla., October 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Abarkaa pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) transforming the industry with a new approach to technology and business practices, now serves as the PBM for Vital, a Medicaid program administered by the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (ASES). After being selected through an open, competitive RFP process in January this year, Abarca took up his contract May 1, 2022after a historic implementation that was completed in just ten days.
“The Medicaid population of Puerto Rico deserves the best possible medical experience,” he said Jason BorschowPresident and CEO of Abarca. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with ASES to deliver just that.”
As part of the award, Abarca should begin managing benefits for Vital members January 1, 2023. However, after ASES and the incumbent PBM failed to agree on the terms of a contract extension, Abarca accelerated implementation and began managing the benefits May 1, 2022 – seven months earlier than planned.
Despite this accelerated schedule, Abarca seamlessly transitioned several essential services, including claims processing, forms management, and network contract and payment management, within 10 days to ensure there was no disruption in service to Plan Vital’s 1.3 million Medicaid members.
“We are very pleased with the completed process leading to the award of the full service PBM contract to Abarca. Medicaid patients in Puerto Rico have the right to receive excellent and quality healthcare services, which has distinguished Abarca since our relationship in 2006. We look forward to continuing to work with Abarca to achieve these goals,” he said Edna MarinExecutive Director of the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration.
Abarca began working with ASES in 2006 as the program’s Pharmacy Program Administrator (PPA). In his new role, Abarca will be…
