Optum Rx announced a new pharmacy benefit pricing structure that replaces traditional drug price-based models with monthly fees per member that are independent of manufacturer list prices or prescription volume. The company said the model will be offered to all Optum Rx pharmacy benefit management customers.

Under the new approach, clients receive transparency into all Optum Rx fees, including those from its group purchasing organization, with disclosure of payments received from pharmaceutical manufacturers. The company plans to transition group purchasing to flat service fees by the end of 2027.

"This new Optum Rx model builds on our longstanding commitment to lowering costs and strengthening transparency by offering our clients a simpler and more predictable pharmacy system," said Dr. Patrick Conway, CEO of Optum.

The company also introduced digital tools for consumers. Shop MyScript notifies eligible patients after prescriptions are written, providing real-time pricing and pharmacy options before filling. Price Wise displays full cost breakdowns including drug prices and service fees through partner pharmacies.

Optum Rx serves nearly 61 million people and operates a network of more than 67,000 community pharmacies. The company previously committed to passing through 100% of manufacturer drug rebate discounts to clients by January 1, 2028.

The announcement follows recent changes including elimination of 33% of drug reauthorizations for chronic condition medications and introduction of cost-based payment arrangements for community and independent pharmacies in its network.

Optum Rx is part of Optum, a health services company owned by UnitedHealth Group.