Greater access to immunizations in New Jersey as vaccination program continues to expand

Program between Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

and Garden State Pharmacy Owners, Inc.

More than 1,500 immunizations in past five months

HAMILTON, NJ (Jan. 8, 2020) – Access to vaccines in New Jersey has increased since the August 2019 inception of a new program between Garden State Pharmacy Owners, Inc. (GSPO) and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ), which enables patients covered by Horizon commercial insurance to receive immunizations from independent pharmacies in New Jersey.

More than 1,500 vaccinations have been administered in the five months since the program began, and nearly 100 pharmacies in 15 different New Jersey counties are currently participating. Developed by GSPO’s Select Solutions, Inc. subsidiary, the program enables participating pharmacies to vaccinate Horizon BCBSNJ commercial members and receive reimbursements without needing to negotiate a separate insurer agreement.

“From the outset, we believed this was an outstanding program for patients and independent pharmacies – and our assessment has been confirmed by its rapid expansion,” explains GSPO Executive Director Marty Miller. “The program provides terrific convenience, in that individuals covered by Horizon commercial insurance are getting vaccinated in familiar, local settings that they already trust for their healthcare needs. For independent pharmacies, it’s a direct extension of the customer-focused service they provide each day.”

To confirm program participation, Horizon BCBSNJ members may consult with their local, community pharmacy or check the Horizon BCBS website.

Pharmacies submitting claims for vaccines given to Horizon commercial members utilize a dedicated ID number that allows for payment under this program. Once claims have been approved, Horizon sends reimbursements to Select Solutions, which then distributes payments directly to pharmacies.

Miller adds: “I’m fully confident this program will continue to expand, which means greater convenience for patients and for the independent pharmacies that serve them.”

About GSPO

Established in 1981, Garden State Pharmacy Owners (GSPO) promotes the interests of New Jersey’s independent pharmacy community. Full details are available online, at www.gspo.org.

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