A Message from Mona Chitre
As we continue through 2025, I’d like to pause and acknowledge the important work we’re doing together. Whether it’s expanding access to care, improving health outcomes, or honoring the trust you place in us, your partnership makes it possible. From streamlining processes to addressing the evolving pharmacy landscape, our commitment remains the same: making care more accessible and affordable.
2025 Pharmacy Updates
- Reliable Pharmacy Access, Even as Local Stores Close
While Univera Healthcare continues to offer a robust network of pharmacies, some communities across the country are beginning to experience what are known as "pharmacy deserts"—areas where access to nearby pharmacies are becoming limited. This trend is being driven in part by large chains like Rite Aid closing hundreds of locations, often in rural and underserved areas. These closures can make it more difficult for individuals, especially older adults and those without reliable transportation, to access the medications and care they need.
To lessen the burden on our members, our teams are coordinating outreach to those impacted to offer them contact information of pharmacies in close proximity to the one that is disrupted. Univera Healthcare also provides information about convenient solutions like Home Delivery through trusted partners such as Wegmans Home Delivery® and Express Scripts Pharmacy®. Members in need of a new pharmacy can use the Find a Pharmacy search tool on our website or call Customer Care where our advocates are ready to offer support. These services ensure that members can continue receiving their prescriptions reliably, even if a local pharmacy closes.
- Step Therapy Law Update for NYS
Effective January 1, 2026, New York State will implement new restrictions on step therapy protocols under Assembly Bill A443. As always, we will continue to abide by all rules and regulations while still providing access to the most appropriate and cost effective drug therapy. Our drug policies are based on current literature and only require step therapy when clinically appropriate.
- Outlook for the Oncology Drug Pipeline
The oncology drug pipeline is shifting rapidly in 2025, with seven new cancer treatments already approved and nine more anticipated to be approved. This wave of innovation gives members expanded treatment options, and more targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
In addition, notable market shifts are emerging that should help control trend. For instance, some drugs in the cancer category are losing exclusivity, opening the door for new drugs and therapies. A recent example of this is the drug Xgeva, which is used in patients undergoing various cancer treatments to improve or protect bone health. The FDA recently approved three biosimilars for Xgeva, Wyost, Bomyntra and Osenvelt, infusing competition into the market, which means more opportunity to bring value to you.
Plus, over the next five years, some high-cost drugs will begin to lose patent protections, which may lead to the introduction of more affordable alternatives.
- Managing Rising Costs, Prioritizing Member Health
Health care costs are rising nationwide due to factors like expensive prescription drugs, more outpatient procedures, and high hospital costs which are affecting both individuals and organizations. We’re committed to helping members access quality care without letting rising costs get in the way. As a nonprofit, we spend 92 cents of every premium dollar on medical care, and we’re tackling affordability through a range of innovative programs. These include pharmacy support, preventive care, chronic condition management, and personalized guidance from experienced medical directors, all designed to keep members healthier while managing costs.
As we navigate a fast-changing health care landscape, our commitment stays rooted in the people we serve. Whether it’s expanding access to life-saving treatments, ensuring affordability, or delivering a service you can count on, we’re in this together. Thank you for your continued trust in Univera Healthcare. I look forward to what we’ll achieve next year.
If you’re looking for a smarter way for your groups to save on pharmacy costs without adding to their budget, be sure to check out our core pharmacy suite brochure. This streamlined, integrated approach is built to help reduce waste, manage high-cost claims and improve outcomes.
Get Our Core Pharmacy Suite Brochure
With appreciation,
Mona Chitre, Chief Pharmacy Officer & President of Pharmacy Solutions
Additional Articles
In case you missed any of our previous Rx Updates content. Here is a recap of some helpful resources.
- 2026 Large Group Product Updates and Reminders
- Current Injectable GLP-1 Mail Order Prescriptions From Express Scripts® Pharmacy Transitioning to EnGuide Pharmacy
- Rite Aid Pharmacy Closures
- Helping Your Clients Reduce Pharmacy Costs—Without Sacrificing Care
- 2025 Exclusive Pharmacy Update from Mona Chitre
- Launching Our NEW Pharmacy Value Story
- Innovative Care for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management
