Managed Care Pharmacy Issues

What’s driving vaccine hesitancy—and what’s actually true? In this episode of Unscripted, the AMCP Podcast, guest host Steve Kheloussi, PharmD, MBA, FAMCP speaks with Ria Westergaard, Head of Commercial Strategy Intelligence Solutions at Evernorth Health Services, and Rekha Lakshmanan, Executive Director of The Immunization Partnership, about the growing tension between science, policy, and public perception. From misinformation and social media to access gaps and real-world data, they unpack what’s really shaping vaccination decisions today—and where managed care can help rebuild trust and improve outcomes.

When a 34-year-old patient being treated for stage IV colorectal cancer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville, Tennessee, was notified that his medication was no longer covered by his insurer, he contacted Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy. Pharmacists there immediately submitted a prior authorization that was denied, and they were told there was no appeal option.

The role of the pharmacist, managed care pharmacist job satisfaction and artificial intelligence were among the topics that Susan A. Cantrell, CEO of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, discussed with Perry Cohen, Pharm.D., in this episode of "Conversations with Perry and Friends."

View the January 2026 issue of JMCP.

Read the Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP) - November 2025 Issue

View the October 2025 issue of JMCP.

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) is deeply concerned by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice’s (ACIP) changes to the childhood vaccine schedule and Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, a vital service that provides 74 million shots per year to low-income children.

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the appointment of Hillary F. Blackburn, PharmD, MBA, of Franklin, Tennessee, as a voting member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This historic appointment marks the first time a pharmacist has been confirmed as a voting member of ACIP.

In this episode, we talk with Aaron Crittenden, President of Rx Marketplace at GoodRx, about Community Link, a new program from GoodRx that empowers independent pharmacies through direct contracting, predictable pricing, and access to over 90 brand medication deals. Aaron explains how Community Link helps pharmacies stay competitive, provide affordable prescriptions for patients, and build more sustainable economics in today’s challenging marketplace.

Read the Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP) - September 2025 Issue

Read the Journal of Managed Care + Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP) August 2025 Issue

In this episode of Unscripted, AMCP speaks with Dr. Harrison Nguyen, a double board-certified dermatologist and health economist, about the true scope of psoriasis. From overlooked symptoms and high-impact areas to the systemic nature of the disease, Dr. Nguyen explains why a personalized treatment strategy is essential. He also explores the economic case for early intervention and access to advanced therapies.