BACKGROUND Maintaining member adherence requires careful coordination between health plans, providers, and PBMs. Too often, however, pharmacies are left without the resources they need to make a meaningful impact. As COVID-19 brings new challenges to adherence, engaging pharmacies in member health…
4-12-2021
A Better WayA Higher StandardCase Studies
CMS audits assess Medicare plan sponsors’ compliance with a number of core program requirements, chief among them is the plan’s ability to provide its members with access to medically necessary services and prescription drugs. Audit scores and enforcement actions resulting from these evaluations…
4-8-2021
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
This week, Adriana Ramirez, Esq, Abarca’s Chief Operating Officer, will lead a panel of experts in a discussion about how technology can be used to improve care delivery and patient outcomes at the Puerto Rico Health and Insurance Conference. In recent years, the role of modern technology has…
3-24-2021
A Higher StandardA Smarter PlatformOur People
Abarcans want to bring awareness to how we can all be more conscious of poison prevention at home, especially for our young ones. Did you know that nearly 3 million people, many of which are under the age of 5, have had contact or swallow a poisonous substance each year? We’ve seen that most of…
3-20-2021
#BetterCareA Better ExperienceA Better Way
SAN JUAN, PR - When they set out to start what they call “a revolution” in the healthcare industry in 2006, the Puerto Rican company, Abarca, knew that the journey ahead would be full of challenges and learning. 15 years later, the growth they have achieved is the strongest proof that they…
3-17-2021
A Better WayA Higher StandardNews
Abarcans stand with the nearly 2.3 million people worldwide living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) every day, almost one million of which live right here in the United States. We strongly believe that bringing awareness to MS is necessary for providing the steps toward a better way of managing the…
3-10-2021
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardBetter Care
Pharmacists may very well be the unsung heroes of healthcare. In reality, they play a critical role in providing access to medications as well as administering care. Recently, their role has become even more important. Here’s a look at two of the changes that have taken place, and what they…
3-1-2021
A Better WayCOVID19Vaccine
THE CHALLENGE Abarca is a different kind of PBM and a different kind of company. Our organization was built upon six unique core values that guide every aspect of our business, from the solutions we offer to the way we interact with each other. At Abarca, our values aren’t just words we put on…
2-12-2021
A Better WayA Higher StandardCase Studies
Beginning January 1, U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated certain capabilities be available for Part D plans. Here’s what you need to know: Real-Time Benefit Tool (RTBT)1 What is RTBT? Often, a member is not aware if their insurance covers their prescribed…
2-9-2021
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
2020 brought a lot of firsts in healthcare and, as we enter into flu season amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are faced with the potential of another one: a twindemic. Here’s what you need to know: What is a twindemic? The “twindemic,” a term likely coined by the New York Times,…
2-1-2021
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardCOVID19
2020 was challenging year for people around the world. But, in times like these, our company has discovered that we can actually lift ourselves up by serving others in need. For the past few years, our company, Abarca, has had several occasions to put this into practice. It started with…
12-20-2020
#BetterCareA Higher StandardAbarca Strong
Remember 2005? Nickelback and The Black Eyed Peas dominated the charts. We had only seen the first four Harry Potter films. Facebook had just been launched, but Twitter and Instagram did not exist. And no one had heard of a viral video. It was also the year that Abarca was founded. Over the next…
12-10-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
As we face a new healthcare environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a high probability that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems could likely be overwhelmed treating patients with both of these viruses, meaning getting…
12-4-2020
A Better WayBetter CareCOVID19InfluenzaVaccine
Prescription drugs are on their way to eating up the biggest slice of Puerto Rico’s $3.4 billion Medicaid budget. To head off rising costs, the island turned to what is still a relatively new trend in the pharmaceutical world — value-based contracting. At its most basic level, a value-based…
12-4-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardNews
MIAMI, FL -- Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that is disrupting the industry with a new approach to technology and business practices, today announced the expansion of its Better Care Community Program to support research on endemic tropical diseases and minority health. Launched in 2019,…
12-1-2020
#BetterCareA Better WayNews
World Diabetes Day is the global community's most extensive diabetes awareness campaign reaching an audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of great importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political…
11-13-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayBetter Care
Movember is an annual campaign involving the growing of mustaches and other activities during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as Prostate and Testicular Cancers, as well as mental health. Abarca goes all in to offer men and their families greater clarity on when…
11-6-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayBetter CareMovember
As of 2018, nearly 60 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare. Most beneficiaries are age 65 or older, but younger members can qualify if they have certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease. Given their age and pre-existing conditions, members of this population face unique challenges…
11-4-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
THE CHALLENGE As a company with offices in Puerto Rico and South Florida, Abarca has navigated more than its fair share of unforeseen events. That’s why we’ve engrained a culture of preparedness within our organization, and built a foundation that allows us to respond quickly and effectively in…
10-29-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardCase Studies
Better Conversations is a new initiative set out by Abarca that seeks to open communication bridges between Abarcans on topics that could challenge the status quo and should be discussed to empower an inclusive work environment. In the series' first conversation, I was invited to share my…
10-28-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayBetter ConversationsWorking Parents
We are excited to share that Sonymarie Socarrás, VP Strategy to Execution at Abarca, has been recognized with a 2020 Star Award from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). This award honors the work that Sonymarie has done to create and lead the Introduction to Engineering course…
10-28-2020
A Higher StandardAwardsOur People
We’ve heard it countless times: Healthcare is broken in the US. It costs too much; it is overly complex; and we are no healthier and we live no longer than people who live in other countries where it costs a lot less. At Abarca, our team is composed of people with diverse experiences across…
10-26-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardOur People
When you compare corporate values that are held up by many healthcare organizations, you will see a lot of repetition. Words like honesty, integrity, accountability, and teamwork find their way onto a seemingly endless number of websites and job descriptions. Objectively, these are admirable…
10-23-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
SAN JUAN, PR -- Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that is disrupting the industry with a new approach to technology and business practices released a new case study detailing a value-based agreement with Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) for Avonex® (interferon beta-1a) and Tecfidera® (dimethyl…
10-20-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardNews
THE CHALLENGE For a Medicaid Program that receives one of the lowest federal reimbursements in the nation, specialty drug costs are an exceptional burden. To help this program navigate a challenging financial environment, Abarca partnered with pharmaceutical manufacturer Biogen Inc. in 2017 to…
10-20-2020
A Better ExperienceCase StudiesNews
The expanded theme for World Hypertension Day is "Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer," to increase high blood pressure awareness in all populations worldwide. The day's primary goal is to educate the public and raise awareness of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure.…
10-16-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayAwarenessBetter Care
Sometimes, employment benefits, beyond contributing to a sense of belonging and well-being for employees within an organization, can be turned into a concrete business strategy. Few companies better exemplify this philosophy than the Puerto Rican company Abarca Health, which in recent years has…
10-8-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardOur People
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an effort created to raise awareness of the disease and help those affected through early detection, education, and support services. Abarca stands committed to the cause. As of 2017, Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among American women, with…
9-30-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayBetter Care
In 2019, the average Medicare Part D beneficiary with diabetes spent just over $1,140 per year on insulin--or roughly $95/month. For members who are living on a fixed income, and are likely to have other chronic conditions, these high out-of-pocket costs can pose a serious threat to their adherence…
9-8-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardMedicare
In today's new healthcare environment transformed by the COVID-19 outbreak, the patient's needs have inherently changed, making care management more critical than ever before. At present, it's estimated that 1 in 4 Americans live with multiple chronic conditions, making the need for patient support…
9-2-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Smarter PlatformBetter CareCoronavirusCovid-19COVID19
Abarca has deep experience serving public and private sector organizations, including Medicare and Commercial Health Plans, Self Insured Employers, State Medicaid Programs, and Large Insurers and PBMs. We understand the Medicare patient’s unique needs and have been recognized and rewarded for our…
9-2-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayMedicare
For many, having prescriptions delivered at their home is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity. Lack of mobility, access to transportation, and other social determinants impact the health of members and increase costs for health plans. To address these obstacles, and improve member…
8-26-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardCase Studies
We are thrilled to welcome Anthony Bury to the Abarca family. As Vice President, IT Operations and CISO, Anthony will be overseeing all aspects of the organization’s technology infrastructure and will be responsible for ensuring the availability, integrity, and security of all IT systems. For…
8-6-2020
A Higher StandardNewsOur People
Over the past year, we have seen adherence numbers trending upwards for one of our Medicare clients in Puerto Rico. Under normal circumstances, these numbers are impressive but, seeing this year-over-year growth amid a worldwide pandemic when people have been ordered to stay-at-home is almost…
8-3-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
As part of our unrelenting commitment to providing a better way in healthcare, Abarca supports the importance of vaccines for disease prevention and building a culture of preparedness, especially as we face a new reality brought on by the current pandemic. This year, we commemorate National…
7-31-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayBetter Care
Every year, World Hepatitis Day (WHD) stands as an opportunity for communities of the world to come together under a single theme to raise awareness on viral hepatitis. This year, the theme is ‘Find the Missing Millions.’ Abarca calls on the healthcare community to take action and raise…
7-27-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayBetter Care
Biologic therapies provide life-saving treatments to patients with chronic conditions. However, they are also among the country’s most expensive medications. While just 2% of the US patient population uses biologics, they account for 26% percent of the nation’s total prescription drug spending,…
7-22-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day, and Abarca goes all in to bring to light some of the symptoms, signs, and treatment options for this mental health disorder. Although PTSD has been most commonly known to affect war veterans, anyone can develop this disorder. Today, people suffer from PTSD for…
6-26-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardBetter Care
After approximately three months of quarantine, the US is beginning to reopen from the COVID-19 lockdowns. While there are many unknowns about our new normal, it is still critical that we stay vigilant about our health and safety. As such, it has never been more important that members remain…
6-24-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
It’s Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] Awareness Week (June 17-23) and Abarca goes all in to bring awareness to the 1.5 million Americans, most of which are women, who suffer from this condition by sharing information on its signs, symptoms, and treatments. What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? RA is an…
6-16-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardBetter Care
On the 15th-21st of June, the world celebrates Men’s Health Week. During this week, communities around the globe bring awareness to health issues that especially affect men, focusing on getting them to become more aware of problems they may have or could develop and do something about them now. …
6-15-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardBetter Care
In recent years, the opioid epidemic has made a significant impact on healthcare in the United States. One of the consequences of this crisis is the rise of pharmacy and doctor shopping--the practice of a patient seeking out multiple doctors and pharmacies to write and fill additional…
6-9-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
Abarcans stand with the nearly 2.3 million people worldwide living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) every day, almost one million of which live right here in the United States. We strongly believe that bringing awareness to MS is necessary for providing the steps toward a better way of managing the…
5-29-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardBetter Care
We’re making good on our promise to provide a smarter platform, a better experience, and a higher standard. PBMs and plans across the country are now experiencing what we call “PBM Awesome,” and demand for our solutions is on the rise. To continue to enhance and evolve our strategic vision,…
5-27-2020
A Higher StandardNewsOur People
Many companies like to talk about their corporate culture -- that set of beliefs and behaviors that guide how employees conduct business, interact with colleagues, and define the organization’s identity. When a culture is strong, you know it as soon as you walk in the door. Corporate cultures…
5-24-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardAbarca Strong
Leading pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) say the initial flood of demand for the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine, sparked by suggestions from the White House that it was an effective treatment for COVID-19, finally is showing some signs of easing. This has lessened pressures on supplies of the…
5-22-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardCOVID19
Every day, we are witnessing incredible acts of heroism and selflessness. If there is good that has come out of this global emergency, it is that we are being reminded about the sacrifices so many people -- physicians, nurses, first responders, pharmacists, and others -- are willing to make to…
5-13-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardCOVID19
National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is a weeklong health observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH), celebrated each year after Mother’s Day. During the week of May 10–16, 2020, Abarca goes all in to raise awareness about manageable…
5-11-2020
#BetterCareA Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
We've all heard some saying around "always be prepared." In today's technology-driven, fast-paced world, we're often too busy, and our inboxes are too full to plan for something that may never happen. Then the unexpected hits and many companies are left improvising to figure out what to do next.…
5-8-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardCovid-19COVID19
May is Asthma Awareness Month, one of the most common lifelong chronic diseases in the U.S. with more than 25 million Americans living with it. As the world faces the biggest health emergency of modern time, the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19, it is more important than ever that people with…
5-4-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayCoronavirusCovid-19COVID19
Since 2012, Abarca and Triple-S have worked together to create new ways to increase medication adherence and improve the experience for members. Recently, however, the partnership undertook an entirely different approach toward improving access to quality healthcare -- Innovation Design Thinking.…
5-1-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
With over 5 million Americans being diagnosed with skin cancer every year, it is the most common cancer in the U.S. The good news is, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and Abarca goes all in to spread information on how you can make sure you and your family are protected. …
4-30-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardBetter Care
Nearly 2.4 million Americans are living with the Hepatitis C Virus, it being the country’s deadliest infectious disease. Despite this reality, many state Medicaid programs have several discriminatory restrictions in place that keep Americans from accessing Hepatitis C treatment and preventing the…
4-27-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
In the midst of the COVID-19 emergency and the end of National Pharmacists Week, Colegio de Farmacéticos de Puerto Rico officially launched its digital educational platform that is now available to its affiliated members. As the world faces one of the biggest health crisis of modern time, calling…
4-22-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Smarter PlatformCovid-19COVID19News
As healthcare evolves, the industry is starting to take a closer look at how a person’s environment and lifestyle contribute to his or her health. These factors, called social determinants of health (SDOH), include all of the most significant components in someone’s day to day life.…
4-9-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
As precautionary quarantines become an essential part of combating coronavirus, it’s not uncommon to feel a desire to stock up on critical items for your home--like canned goods or toilet paper. For many, medications are another necessity--but there are some critical things to keep in mind as you…
3-31-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardCovid-19COVID19
Last updated: March 25, 2020 *Important Note: Applicability of the changes described herein will be effective during the COVID-10 emergency period. We will keep you informed of any changes or guidance made public by the Government Dear Pharmacy Provider: Receive our greatest regards. It is of…
3-27-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardCovid-19COVID19News
SAN JUAN, PR -- Pharmacy benefit manager Abarca and Triple-S Management Corporation (NYSE: GTS), on behalf of its managed care subsidiary, Triple-S Salud, today announced the launch of Triple-S en Casa, Puerto Rico’s first prescription home delivery program. “It has never been more important…
3-26-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayCovid-19COVID19News
Given the recent declarations of a national emergency and our concern for all Abarcans, clients, and members, all Abarcans will be working remotely, starting today, Monday, March 16th, except for some límited roles. Rest assured that our services will continue uninterrupted. Despite the…
3-19-2020
A Better WayA Higher StandardAbarca StrongCoronavirusCovid-19News
Abarca goes all in to bring awareness to Covid-19 as reliable information becomes available, so that our communities may be prepared. Read on for valuable answers to FAQs about how it's spread, symptoms, and vital preventive measures that all of us should be aware of. Let's work together to be…
3-10-2020
A Better WayCoronavirusCovid-19News
PerformRx, one of the nation’s 10 largest PBMs, had a long tradition of innovation. 80% of the company’s staff are pharmacists or pharmacy technicians, so its bold approach has been particularly notable in clinical care. Then, the company decided to reimagine the technical infrastructure that…
3-4-2020
A Better WayA Smarter PlatformCase Studies
A bold new approach to pharmacy is here. At Abarca, we live to bring a better experience to our members, which is why we created the Off-Road Pharmacy Program, an educational initiative launched by our pharmacy team providing news, resources, and opportunities to our partners, Abarcans, clients…
2-28-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
International Epilepsy Day is a day for people around the world to promote awareness of epilepsy, a condition affecting 50 million people worldwide. Abarca goes all in to join this cause and rally support for the families and people living with it. If this serious medical condition affects someone…
2-20-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardAwarenessEpilepsy
San Juan, PR – Under the motto “Empowering Investment,” the eighth edition of the Puerto Rico Conference 2020 will be held Wednesday, February 26th, at the Sheraton Hotel in San Juan. The event, organized by The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, brings together industry entrepreneurs,…
2-18-2020
Conferences and EventsNewsOur People
Abarca stands in solidarity with the national campaign to raise awareness of cervical cancer, HPV (human papillomavirus) disease, and the importance of early detection. According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), more than 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with invasive cervical…
1-29-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
Did you know that one in three Americans is at risk for developing kidney disease due to rapidly rising rates of diabetes and high blood pressure? According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, about 30 million U.S. adults are estimated to have renal disease, and most are undiagnosed…
1-21-2020
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
While there is never a bad time to be an Abarcan, 2019 was our best year yet. Here’s a look back at a few of our proudest moments: Employee-led initiatives. Abarca team members took the reins in creating exciting new programs that will make healthcare awesome for our clients and…
1-17-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
Prescription drug prices are soaring in the US, particularly for specialty medications. To deal with escalating costs, forward-thinking health plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are exploring value-based contracts as an alternative to traditional fee-for-service payment models. For one…
1-14-2020
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardCase Studies
Microsoft has published a new case study highlighting Abarca's success using its SQL and Azure technology solutions. Abarca utilizes these tools to support organizational development, data mining, disaster response, and Darwin, the company’s smarter PBM platform. “It is a privilege to partner…
12-17-2019
A Better ExperienceA Smarter PlatformCase Studies
Many in healthcare are looking to value-based agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers as a way to generate savings for health plans and ensure that medications provide the intended outcomes for members. Although there are relatively few of these agreements in place, best practices are beginning…
12-4-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
AVENTURA, FL -- Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that is disrupting the industry with an entirely new approach to technology and business practices, today announced it has entered into an outcomes-based contract with Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) for the drug Enbrel® (etanercept). Under the…
12-3-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardNews
World AIDS Day takes place every year on December 1st presenting an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to rally support for people living with it, and to spread awareness and education on its prevention and management. This year's campaign theme is “Ending the…
11-26-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardAIDSAwarenessEndAIDS
Nayda Rivera, Abarca’s Director of Government and Industry Partnerships, was selected to lead the panel on “Puerto Rico: Public Health Policy Trends Alerts for the Private Sector” at the 2019 Puerto Rico Health Forum last November. Through the interactive presentation, Nayda presented an…
11-23-2019
A Better WayA Higher StandardConferences and EventsOur People
Last week at the AMCP Nexus Conference, Abarca Senior Pharmacist, Ana Rivera and Suzette Velez, Director of Clinical Services, had an incredible time presenting Abarca's unique understanding of the effect disasters have on the availability of prescription drugs, medication adherence, and community…
11-15-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Smarter PlatformAMCP NEXUSConferences and EventsNewsOur People
World Diabetes Day is the world’s most extensive diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political…
11-14-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
Movember is an annual campaign involving the growing of mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer. Abarca goes “all in” to offer men and their families greater clarity on when to get tested, and empowering them with…
11-6-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
Healthcare is on the cusp of a seismic shift. Several factors are driving this evolution, including a desire for higher patient engagement, personalized care, better technology, and increased transparency. Although this progression takes different shapes across the healthcare industry, one common…
10-25-2019
A Better WayA Higher StandardOur People
World Mental Health Month is observed every year with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The initiative provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about…
10-24-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
Last week, our team participated in the Endeavor Regional Retreat in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Jason Borschow, our President and CEO, took part in a panel alongside Laura Maydon, Board Member at Endeavor Miami, and Manny Vidal, Co-Founder at Peloton X, educating on how to scale up in the local playing…
10-22-2019
A Higher StandardConferences and EventsOur People
The Fit Master challenge is a wellness initiative offered through the Abarcan Care benefits platform with the sole purpose of promoting healthy life habits and improve physical and emotional well being. The twelve-week challenge encourages a better way to work together, connect with others, and…
10-18-2019
A Better WayBetter CareOur People
A leading national PBM recently selected Darwin to serve its key clients across the United States. As part of the implementation, the PBM conducted thorough third-party audits of Darwin, our team, technology, and scalability -- testing us in more than 200 real-world scenarios. Here are some of the…
10-10-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
NAPA, CA – Abarca presented at PerformRx's annual conference Innovations XIII, at the Meritage Resort and Spa in beautiful Napa, California. This year's event was especially momentous as PerformRx celebrated its 20th anniversary. Jason Borschow, Abarca's CEO, joined Mesfin Tegenu, president of…
10-4-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher StandardA Smarter PlatformConferences and EventsNews
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide effort created to highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research. Join Abarca in this cause to help prevent, detect, and treat BC, as we also celebrate the many brave men and women who have survived this vicious disease.…
10-1-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
September is Alzheimer's (AD) Awareness Month, an international effort created to raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with the heartbreaking disease through advocacy and education, and Abarca stands committed to the cause. Alzheimer's disease is the primary type of dementia,…
9-18-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
The opioid epidemic is one of the greatest public health threats the American population is facing, devastating communities nationwide. The main risks associated with opioid abuse are developing dependency (addiction), overdose, and death. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and…
8-29-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
SAN JUAN, PR -- Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that is disrupting the industry with an entirely new approach to technology and business practices, and Molina Healthcare Puerto Rico, a locally operated subsidiary of Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: MOH), announced today that they have entered…
8-15-2019
A Better ExperienceA Smarter PlatformNews
San Juan, PR - Every year, the Colegio de Farmacéuticos de Puerto Rico (CFFR) honors a group of pharmacists that have excelled in different areas of the profession. This year, we are proud to announce that their most distinguished accolade, the Abigail Robles Award, has been awarded to Nayda M.…
8-13-2019
AwardsConferences and EventsOur People
San Juan, PR - Last week marked the end of our first official internship program, Abarca IGNITE, coordinated by our Talent Strategy division. We called our interns Sparks because we believe they are the small fiery particles necessary to ignite the rocket of our growth and propel us to a future…
8-9-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardOur People
AVENTURA, FL -- Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that is disrupting the industry with an entirely new approach to technology and business practices, today announced the relaunch of RxTarget™ with a reward-for-performance program for pharmacies. This initiative is powered by Darwin,…
8-8-2019
A Better WayA Smarter PlatformNews
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the benefits of vaccination for people of all ages. As part of our unrelenting commitment to providing a better way in healthcare, Abarca supports the importance of vaccines for disease prevention and…
8-1-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
As the labor market becomes more skilled, and remote working opens the door to be employed from anywhere in the world, companies must find new ways to attract and retain talent. Sure, that includes offering competitive benefits and salaries. However, what some companies overlook is the importance of…
7-13-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardOur People
For many plan sponsors, managing effective clinical programs for diverse populations can be a challenge. Among any group, there can be wide variations in ages, lifestyles, medical conditions, and other factors that can influence costs and outcomes. Gaps in care can also emerge that could impact…
6-15-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher Standard
Big changes are coming for the PBM industry, and we think it’s about time. Here are four key areas that could have a lasting impact: Rebates have always been a part of how PBMs do business—but these transactions as we know them may be coming to an end. The Trump Administration has…
6-12-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher Standard
May 30th marked the World Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day and Abarcans wore orange and as part of the worldwide effort to bring visibility to the nearly 2.5 million people living with this condition every day. We at Abarca believe that bringing awareness to MS is necessary in providing the steps…
5-31-2019
A Better WayA Higher StandardConferences and Events
San Juan, PR - Did you know that every thirty minutes your body’s kidneys (each the size of a child’s fist) filter all the blood in your body --removing wastes, toxins, and excess fluid? They also help control blood pressure, stimulate the production of red blood cells, keep your bones healthy,…
5-28-2019
A Better WayA Higher StandardNews
San Juan, PR - As part of Abarca’s Better Care Community Program, Ciencia Puerto Rico was chosen as one of four nonprofit organizations to receive grants and volunteer support throughout the next year to aid them in bringing their Seeds of Success initiative to the next level. The program…
5-27-2019
A Better WayA Higher StandardNews
San Juan, PR - Abarcans are leading a revolution in the healthcare industry and there is no stronger testament to this than the work performed through their Better Care Community Program (BCCP). As part of this new initiative, Abarcans chose four organizations, two of which are children’s homes in…
5-25-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayNews
San Juan, PR – More than 8,000 people will benefit from projects led by the four non-profit organizations that we at Abarca collectively selected as partners of our Better Care Community Program. The innovative initiative supports the efforts of health-related nonprofits that work to improve the…
5-24-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Smarter Platform
San Juan, PR - Abarca has been selected to present at the prestigious Americas Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACE) event, ACE 11, that invites leaders from across the globe to learn about advancements being made in Puerto Rico. “ACE is an important tool in…
5-15-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardConferences and Events
San Juan, PR - Abarcans are always stepping outside of their comfort zone, continually challenging themselves to better understand the conditions and issues afflicting the patients they serve. As part of this humble effort, Abarcans participated in Cena a Ciegas, a blind dinner hosted by the…
4-24-2019
A Better WayA Higher StandardConferences and Events
Policymakers in Washington are proposing a change in the way that money flows between pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, health plans, and even consumers. Although these new rules only apply to government programs -- Medicare and Medicaid -- they could apply to commercial…
4-17-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher Standard
San Juan, PR - It is a well-known fact that the business sector is uniquely positioned to lead the fight against cancer, and Abarca jumps to the challenge in this cause. CEO’s Against Cancer is a highly influential group made up of executives from the world’s top institutions, committed to…
4-11-2019
A Better WayA Higher StandardConferences and Events
San Juan, PR - All of us Abarcans are hard-wired to believe that healthcare can be awesome. As we have found out during the evaluation and selection phase of the ten finalist organizations for the Better Care Community Program, we are not alone in this belief. When we launched the call for…
4-5-2019
A Better WayBetter CareOur People
Specialty medications used to treat cancer, hepatitis, and other complicated diseases are among the greatest drivers of healthcare costs in the US. And while these medications represent a very small percentage of the total number of prescriptions written, they account for more than half of all…
4-5-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
Washington, DC — Trusted Health Plan (THP), a Medicaid managed healthcare organization serving members in Washington, D.C., today announced it has entered into a new, multi-year partnership with Abarca to provide pharmacy benefit management (PBM) solutions driven by Abarca’s advanced, fully…
4-3-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardNews
At Abarca, we never settle for the status quo. That extends to every aspect of our business, including how we manage our team of nearly 300 Abarcans, and counting. In fact, we don’t even have a human resources department. Instead, we are bolstered by a Talent Strategy team that ensures our…
3-20-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
Abarca was selected to present at “Caribbean Strong: Building Resilience with Equity,” a summit that focused on lessons that businesses learned from two catastrophic hurricanes that hit the region in 2017. The presentation detailed Abarca’s disaster preparation and response plan that was put…
3-14-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardConferences and Events
Palm Springs, CA - Jason Borschow, Abarca’s CEO, was selected to lead the session “PBM Technology: Stuck in the past or changing the future” at the 2019 PBMI’s National Conference in Palm Springs, CA. The interactive presentation discussed the current state of PBM technology, the…
3-13-2019
A Better ExperienceA Smarter PlatformConferences and Events
Palm Springs, CA – Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that is disrupting the industry with an entirely new approach to technology and business practices, today announced that it has received the 2019 Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute (PBMI) Excellence Award for Care Management Strategies…
3-6-2019
A Better ExperienceAwardsNews
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It claims approximately 610,000 lives each year, according to the CDC, and accounts for one in every four American deaths. Over the years, public awareness around severe cardiac events, like heart attacks, has increased. However,…
2-19-2019
A Better ExperienceA Higher Standard
San Francisco, CA—Jason Borschow, President and CEO of Abarca, has been selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur, a program that recognizes and supports high-impact business leaders across the globe. “Participating in the Endeavor process has been one of the most enriching experiences of my…
2-13-2019
A Higher StandardAwardsOur People
San Juan, PR— Adriana Ramirez, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at Abarca, has been selected to present at the Puerto Rico Investment Summit. Her session, “Island Innovators: How a San Juan Company is Disrupting the Mainland Market,” details Abarca’s mission; its smarter technology…
2-5-2019
A Better WayConferences and EventsOur People
Exciting developments are emerging in the industry that will challenge the “one size fits most” standard of care we’ve become too accustomed to. Here are three trends that we think will make a significant impact: 1. Social Needs Strategies It is estimated that non-clinical factors…
1-20-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
The opioid epidemic is one of the greatest public health threats to confront the American people. The CDC estimates that opioids claimed nearly 50,000 lives in 2017 alone. That number has been steadily rising for more than fifteen years. How did things get this bad? A deadly combination of…
1-11-2019
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
People are the driving force behind any organization. They set the tone for everything, from business development and what programs are offered to company culture and employee engagement. In my nearly 20 years working with some of America’s most recognizable brands, I have seen more than my…
12-22-2018
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardOur People
At Abarca, we have a culture of higher standards and doing the right thing, always. It applies to everything we do: pricing, operations, contracting, interactions with our clients, members, and each other….EVERYTHING. But nowhere is this more important than in our compliance with all of the…
12-10-2018
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardOur People
In 2017, Hurricane Maria shook Puerto Rico. The storm damaged at least 70,000 homes, tested the island’s infrastructure, and took too many lives. As one of the leading PBMs serving health plans in Puerto Rico, Abarca knew that we had at least two critical responsibilities: provide all the help we…
12-6-2018
A Better ExperienceA Higher Standard
According to NCQA, 82% of all adults in the United States take at least one medication. Nearly one-third of that population takes five or more. Whether these medications are prescription, over the counter, or supplements, they need to be properly managed--and the first step is making sure they are…
11-18-2018
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
In November, Abarca exhibited two posters at the 2018 Forward Research & Innovation Summit in San Juan. The presentations detailed some of Abarca’s most impactful patient initiatives, including their award-winning medication therapy management (MTM) program. The marquee event for science,…
11-13-2018
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardConferences and Events
For most of us, the end of the year is a time of reflection. But it is also a time for thinking ahead and thinking anew. At Abarca, we very deliberately take the fourth quarter of the year to assess what we have learned and find new, better ways to apply it. For a pharmacy benefit manager, few…
11-6-2018
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
Scottsdale, AZ — In November, Abarca will present at the 7th Annual CBI Pharmacy Benefit Compliance Congress on “Fraud, Waste, and Abuse — Monitoring Prescription Drug Programs,” about the current opioid crisis. The discussion will be led by Abarca Chief Legal & Compliance Officer…
10-30-2018
A Better WayConferences and EventsOur People
Last week, our team attended the 2018 AMCP NEXUS conference in Orlando to introduce industry leaders to Darwin, learn new strategies to make healthcare awesome, and celebrate our new partnership with PerformRx! From champagne toasts and fresh juices to demos and informational sessions, this was…
10-26-2018
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardConferences and Events
Orlando, FL – Abarca announced that PerformRx, a leading national full-service PBM headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, has selected Darwin, Abarca’s PBM technology platform, to serve its key clients. This partnership was announced at the opening of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Nexus…
10-22-2018
A Better ExperienceA Smarter PlatformNews
At Abarca, we believe that healthcare can be awesome—and we are in constant pursuit of new ways to make that possible. We are using innovative contracting agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers to bring a new level of accountability to prescription benefits. We have developed novel…
10-21-2018
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
San Juan, PR — Triple-S Management Corporation (NYSE: GTS), a leading managed care company in Puerto Rico, announced today that its 2019 Care Coordination Medicare Advantage HMO contract (H5774) has received an overall 4.5-star quality rating from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services…
10-12-2018
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardNews
One in five American adults and children will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Sadly, however, the topic of mental health is often misunderstood, and the people who battle this disease too often feel stigmatized. Feeling stigmatized can have real and lasting consequences.…
10-8-2018
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard Why can’t healthcare be awesome? At Abarca, finding a way to improve the member experience isn’t something we strive for, it’s something we live for. Members see our dedication to delivering a better experience in our everyday interactions as well as our more customized services. Take, for…
10-1-2018
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Juan Carlos Ruiz, Abarca’s Chief Technology Officer, has been selected as a finalist for the South Florida Business Journal’s 2018 Technology Awards-CIO. Juan Carlos is one of only nine CIOs across both private and public companies to earn this recognition. “Juan…
9-17-2018
A Higher StandardAwardsOur People
Expanded Agreement Builds on True Partnership, Important Accomplishments Abarca has been selected by Triple-S, the managed care market leader in Puerto Rico, as the pharmacy benefits manager for the company’s Commercial and Medicare businesses. Once fully implemented, this agreement will cover…
9-4-2018
A Better WayA Smarter PlatformNews Building a different kind of company requires fostering a very different mindset among its leadership. To accomplish this, we at Abarca have developed a 12-week boot camp to train leaders of others in fundamental managerial skills and new thinking about personal development. We also designed the…
8-27-2018
A Better WayA Higher StandardOur People Every year, the Colegio de Farmacéuticos de Puerto Rico acknowledges a group of pharmacists that have excelled in the profession. This year, they have recognized Michelle Morales, Abarca’s Clinical Programs Manager, as a Young Distinguished Pharmacist. “I am honored to receive this…
8-20-2018
A Better WayAwardsConferences and EventsOur People
At Abarca, we are constantly pursuing new and better ways to deliver greater value and accountability for plans and members, and we see great opportunities in drug contracting. We’ve already announced innovative agreements with Amgen and Biogen, and are close to announcing additional contracts…
8-9-2018
A Higher StandardConferences and Events
Value and outcomes-based contracting models are getting a lot of attention these days, and for good reason. Unlike the one-size-fits-all pricing of the past, these approaches tie the ultimate price of a drug to factors such as whether the medication worked as planned, or whether it was cost…
8-1-2018
A Better Way
Abarca is honored to be selected by Caribbean Business as a Power 100 company. We strive to be a PBM that is unlike any other organization, with a smarter technology platform, a better experience to consumers and healthcare payers, and a higher standard of transparency. “I’m thrilled that…
6-22-2018
A Better ExperienceAwards 1 How do you ensure we always pay the lowest net cost for drugs? Are you willing to guarantee it? At Abarca, we always operate in your best financial interest—always. This means that, unlike most PBMs, we design and administer benefits to ensure the use of the lowest net cost brand and…
6-20-2018
A Better ExperienceA Better WayA Higher Standard Newtown Square, PA - Abarca, a company that is upending the pharmacy benefit management industry with an entirely new approach to technology and business practices, announced that it had signed an agreement to provide Comprehensive Script Management (CSM) with Darwin, its smarter PBM platform.…
6-19-2018
A Better ExperienceNews Orlando, FL -- Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that is disrupting the industry with an entirely new approach to technology and business practices, today announced that its CEO Jason Borschow has been recognized with an EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2018 Award in the Florida region.…
6-14-2018
A Higher StandardAwards
At the 2018 AMCP Annual Conference, there was a lot of discussion about important trends in healthcare. Here are two particularly noteworthy examples: The Rise of Value-Based Agreements There are many individual components that determine the pieces of information that can feed into the value…
5-23-2018
A Better ExperienceOur People
Last week, members of the Abarca team attended the AMCP Annual Conference in Boston. We connected with existing clients and shared information about how we are shaking up the industry with new friends. We also introduced the world to Darwin--the latest generation of our smarter platform.…
5-4-2018
A Smarter PlatformConferences and Events
Boston, Mass. – Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that is disrupting the industry with a completely new approach to technology and business practices, today launched Darwin, a smarter PBM platform, at AMCP’s Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Darwin is a first-of-its…
4-25-2018
A Higher StandardA Smarter Platform
San Juan, PR - Adriana Ramirez, Abarca’s Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, was featured as a panelist at the Puerto Rico Health & Insurance Conference. This year’s conference focused on the opportunities for growth and change as Puerto Rico recovers from Hurricane María. Adriana was…
3-9-2018
A Higher StandardOur People Palm Springs, CA – Abarca today announced that it was awarded the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute (PBMI) Excellence Award for Quality Improvement Strategies for its groundbreaking work on medication therapy management (MTM) programs. The award was based in part on Abarca’s success in…
3-7-2018
A Higher StandardAwards
Miami, FL – Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager that is disrupting the industry with smarter technology and innovative strategies, today announced it has signed an outcomes-based contract with Amgen for the cholesterol-lowering drug, Repatha® (evolocumab). This agreement is the first of its kind…
2-22-2018
A Higher StandardNews On February 9th, Puerto Rico’s most influential and inspiring business leaders came together to share ideas and hear from international business visionary Anthony Iannarino. The event brought together leaders from different organizations, industries, and expertise, but at the end of the day we all…
2-22-2018
A Higher StandardConferences and Events
Philadelphia, PA– Samir Mistry, Abarca’s Vice President of Rebates and Pricing Strategies, will be a featured panelist at the CBI Reimbursement and Contracting conference January 24-25, 2018 in Philadelphia. Samir has been selected to lead two discussions that will cover best practices in…
1-16-2018
A Higher StandardOur People
Washington, D.C.— Abarca is proud to announce it has been again awarded URAC’s Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Accreditation. This designation was given in recognition of Abarca’s high clinical, quality, and service standards. After undergoing URAC’s rigorous evaluation process, Abarca…
12-13-2017
A Higher StandardAwards San Juan, PR - Adriana Ramirez, Abarca’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, participated in the 6th Annual Cyber Forum: Cyber Risks ... Meeting the Challenges, Monitoring Risks hosted by the Association of Certified Public Accountants of Puerto Rico. Adriana was a featured speaker on the…
12-9-2017
A Higher StandardOur People The healthcare news has been abuzz with reports that Amazon, the company that upended the retail, publishing, movies, groceries, and countless other industries is now taking on the drug distribution channel. Think of the companies that Amazon has disrupted out of business (remember Borders?…
12-4-2017
A Higher StandardNews San Juan, Puerto Rico – An unprecedented alliance comprised of multiple health insurers, service providers, industry associations and the government of Puerto Rico announced the start of an advertising, public relations and outreach campaign titled “Visit Your Doctor Today,” which aims to help…
11-28-2017
A Higher Standard
Last month, members of the Abarca team attended AMCP Nexus. We spent three exhilarating days meeting with attendees, conducting demos, and sharing the Abarca story with the best and brightest in the industry. Didn't have a chance to stop by our booth? Check out our video and photos from the…
11-17-2017
A Better ExperienceA Higher StandardA Smarter PlatformConferences and Events
At Abarca, we don’t believe in making simple things complicated. Here’s a perfect example: Consumers should be charged the lowest available cost for their medications. Although this may sound straightforward, somehow it is at the center of a heated debate. You may have seen one of the press…
10-27-2017
A Higher Standard THE CHALLENGE A division of a Fortune 200 drug maker relied on a respected health plan for both medical and pharmacy benefits for several years. But as the group grew and the cost of the drug benefits increased, they considered contracting separately, or carving out, pharmacy components of the…
10-13-2017
A Better ExperienceCase Studies
SAN JUAN, PR -- Abarca, a pharmacy benefit management (PBM) and technology company that serves more than two million lives across the nation, has signed a value-based reimbursement contract with Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) for select products in Biogen's leading multiple sclerosis (MS) portfolio.…
7-28-2017
A Higher StandardNews Philadelphia, PA— The market access, pricing, and reimbursement landscape is rapidly evolving as stakeholders shift to a value-based healthcare system. The transition to a value-based healthcare system, coupled with increasing drug pricing scrutiny and mounting uncertainty related to potential…
7-16-2017
A Better ExperienceOur People
San Juan, PR -The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce announced this year’s awarded entrepreneurs at their annual convention. Jason Borschow, chief executive officer for Abarca, was recognized with the Teodoro Moscoso Award which in the past has been handed to top entrepreneurs who have made an impact…
6-15-2017
A Higher StandardOur People
SAN JUAN, PR -- Triple-S Management Corporation (NYSE: GTS), a leading managed care company in Puerto Rico; today announced the star ratings for its Medicare Advantage plans from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the payment year 2018. The purpose of this rating system is to…
10-13-2016
A Higher Standard Washington, DC — Javier Gonzalez, chief operating officer of Abarca, will advise specialty pharmacy leaders on "Government Funded programs and Specialty Drugs: Changing Market Controls and Future Models" as a panelist for 2016 NASP Annual Meeting & Expo, the most important specialty pharmacy…
8-26-2016
A Higher StandardOur People
San Juan, PR - Adriana Ramírez, Esq., Abarca's General Counsel, was named to Caribbean Business', "40 under 40” special edition. The edition recognizes 40 executives under 40 years of age who have been identified as the most promising, up and coming business leaders of Puerto Rico. This…
11-30-2014
A Higher StandardOur People San Juan, PR – Abarca is proud to announce that it has been awarded URAC’s Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Accreditation as of October 1, 2014. As a URAC-accredited organization, Abarca demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and quality healthcare in its PBM business. After…
9-30-2014
A Higher StandardAwards San Juan, PR - Nayda Rivera, Abarca’s Government & Industry Partnerships Director, has been selected by her pharmacist peers as the Puerto Rico College of Pharmacists (“PRCPh”) new President-Elect. The election took place at the PRCPh’s Annual Convention held on from August 21th to 24th…
8-27-2014
A Higher StandardOur People
San Juan, PR - Abarca is pleased to announce the extended rollout of the RxTarget Quality Network, a specially selected network of quality pharmacy providers dedicated to using information technology to improve health outcomes in their communities. By partnering with Abarca, network pharmacies…
7-14-2014
A Better Experience San Juan, PR - Abarca, a leading provider of health information technology and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) solutions, is pleased to announce that it has released RxTarget, an internally developed predictive analytics tool that enables Plans to efficiently focus interventions on those…
3-1-2014
A Smarter Platform
San Juan, PR – Abarca was awarded 1st place in Microsoft’s 2009 Tech Challenge Competition for preparing a BI solution initially used at Pharmacy Insurance Corporation of America (PICA). Abarca’s BI solution was evaluated by a team of industry experts against a set of criteria that included…
4-13-2009
A Smarter PlatformAwards 