PLEASANTON, Calif. — A group led by Cerberus Capital Management LP has agreed to buy Safeway Inc. in a deal valued at more than $9 billion. Cerberus plans to merge Safeway with Albertsons LLC, creating a supermarket chain with more than 2,400 stores and close to 2,000 pharmacies. That will make the combined company one
WASHINGTON — Basic health insurance policies may be kept two more years, the White House said this month. The extension of the deadline for giving up policies that don’t comply with the Affordable Care Act was the latest in a series of changes to the law that critics have said signify its unworkability. The extension
CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. has signed an expanded distribution agreement with McKesson Corp. that will include both brand-name drugs and generic drugs. The alliance builds on the strength of Rite Aid as the country’s third-largest drug chain and the experience of McKesson as a leader in pharmaceutical sourcing and supply chain management.
WASHINGTON — Several provisions in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ proposed 2015 regulations for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are being supported by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and other retail pharmacy groups — particularly the CMS plan that would eliminate the preferred pharmacy network structure in favor of a
NEW YORK — One edge department stores traditionally have had in the beauty category is in-store cosmeticians who are authorities on makeup and fragrances, as well as skin care, hair care and nail care products. With the arrival of beauty advisers at chain drug and other mass retailers, that’s no longer the case. Rite Aid
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pharmacies throughout California are sharing the pain of receiving fewer dollars for filling certain prescriptions in the aftermath of last month’s implementation of 10% reimbursement reductions by Medi-Cal, the state’s health coverage program for low-income residents. Some pharmacies have warned they will stop stocking the drugs rather than take a financial loss
SAN FRANCISCO — Walgreens has opened a unique store on the campus of the University of California at San Francisco in a joint effort between the drug chain, the university’s school of pharmacy and UCSF Medical Center. The aim is to improve medication safety, cut down on health care costs and help patients use medicines
ORLANDO, Fla. — Health Mart, a franchise of more than 3,200 independently owned pharmacies across the country, has kicked off its 2014 Healthy Living Tour of more than 130 communities. The mobile screening vehicle pulled up at the Pharmacy Development Service’s Independent Pharmacy Business Growth Conference here, the first stop on a journey across the
NEW YORK — In-store health clinics are becoming increasingly popular with retailers and their customers, who see them as more convenient and less expensive than doctors’ offices. But not everyone is welcoming retail clinics’ rising popularity. Such clinics — located in drug stores and other retail outlets — are typically open seven days a week
TAMPA, Fla. — Front-end suppliers, buyers from regional drug chains and representatives from regional drug wholesalers were among those converging on the Tampa Convention Center recently for the 88th annual trade expo of the Chain Drug Marketing Association (CDMA). The four-day event featured private label educational breakouts, seasonal showcases, a store brand forum, awards ceremonies
ORLANDO, Fla. — CVS Caremark Corp. is joining the CommonWell Health Alliance, a nonprofit trade association of companies that is working to create better access to health care data. In signing up as a contributing member, CVS joins founding alliance members Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., athenahealth Inc., Cerner Corp., McKesson Corp., Sunquest Information Systems Inc.
ARLINGTON, Va. — Trade groups representing the nation’s chain drug stores, independent pharmacies and pharmaceutical distributors are lining up behind legislation introduced in the House of Representatives to target prescription drug abuse. The Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2013 would bolster enforcement efforts to curtail prescription drug diversion and abuse. Rep.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam’s Club has named David Badeen vice president of health care. He will be responsible for pharmacy, over-the-counter medications, and optical and hearing aid centers, as well as overseeing third-party contracting and pricing. In his new position, Badeen will report directly to Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president of health and wellness. Badeen
ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has given the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy $50,000 to establish the Anthony N. Civello Pharmacy Scholarship. “We are pleased to recognize Tony’s vision for the advancement of public health through this scholarship gift. There is no finer person and no finer leader
