Stars are Earned at the Refill: Why Plans and Pharmacies Must Move Faster, Together

In a new byline on HLTH, AssureCare President and CEO Yousuf Ahmad, argues that Medicare Advantage Star Ratings are won or lost at the pharmacy counter. With the share of drug-plan contracts earning four or more stars falling from 44% to 37% in the 2027 ratings, and Part D adherence measures still triple-weighted, Dr. Ahmad says plans and pharmacies must stop working in separate systems. Pharmacists see members far more often than primary care does and can learn why a refill was missed, whether it was cost, side effects, or confusion. Too often, though, that work is never seen by the plan or paid for. He describes a model where AI finds members at risk, automation handles routine follow-up, and pharmacists get the information and payment they need to resolve barriers. The measure of success, he argues, isn’t more activity. It’s fewer members left to manage their barriers alone.

‍

Read the full article: https://hlth.com/insights/articles/stars-are-earned-at-the-refill-why-plans-and-pharmacies-must-move-faster-together

‍