CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. has selected CaptureRx as its preferred 340B technology vendor and administrator.

Through CaptureRx, Rite Aid will offer contract pharmacy services to dispense 340B-priced drugs to patients of eligible community health centers and hospitals nationwide.

The 340B drug discount plan is a federal program that enables qualified health centers and hospitals to purchase drugs for less than half the cost of the commercial market for their ­outpatients.

“Rite Aid has long been committed to the health of the communities we serve,” says Robert Thompson, executive vice president of pharmacy. “Each day, our pharmacists provide services and programs to help our patients live and stay well. Our relationship with Capture­Rx is another way we can improve overall health outcomes of those we serve.”

Rite Aid has identified pilot sites and is developing its strategy to offer the 340B program nationwide later this year.

“We are delighted to welcome Rite Aid to our extensive network as we work together to offer better access to quality care to improve the well-being of the communities we serve,” remarks Edward Gilmartin, CaptureRx’s chief operating ­officer.

In addition to technology and operations activities, Capture­Rx will provide Rite Aid with support on 340B-related government policy and industry ­relations through its government and industry division, which is led by former Rep. Billy Tauzin. Tauzin was chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and he is a former president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association.

CaptureRx is described as one of the largest 340B administrators in the nation serving safety-net clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. It is considered a pioneer and technology leader in 340B processing and automation through Cumulus, its proprietary Internet “cloud”-based platform.