Meeting the Needs of ARTA Members
A recent ARTA survey identified three things that members value most when it comes to the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan : sustainability , affordability , and choice . ARTARx is a response to all three of these values .
“ With all aspects of health care , things are getting more expensive over time , and that ’ s also true of health plans ,” says Daniel . “ There are a limited number of ways to keep a plan like ours robust without raising premiums . ARTARx is one way forward in that regard .”
As a not-for-profit association , ARTARx has no investors or shareholders looking to get rich at the expense of their members . Instead , ARTARx can offer prescriptions and services to customers at the lowest price possible , and every dollar made through the pharmacy goes directly back into the Retiree Benefits Plan , allowing the plan to remain affordable for all . Rather than being an expense that drains ARTA ’ s resources , the pharmacy will bolster ARTA as an organization and build a foundation that continues to support the organization as it grows .
“ We ’ re not looking to push prescriptions or try to sell you products you don ’ t need ,” says Daniel . “ Our focus is on doing the right thing for ARTA members and helping them achieve better health outcomes through our quality of service .”
When it comes to matters of choice , ARTARx will meet members ’ expectations as well . Participation in the pharmacy is an opt-in process , and those members who are happy with their current pharmacy experience will be under no obligation to use ARTARx . ARTA will continue to offer great , affordable health plans , independent of the pharmacy .
“ If you already have a great relationship with a personal pharmacist or want to support a local business , we encourage you to keep doing what works for you ,” says Daniel . “ But the truth is , many ARTA members don ’ t have a relationship with a pharmacist , and they aren ’ t getting what they need out of their current pharmacy . That ’ s who we ’ re serving through our plan-sponsored pharmacy . ARTARx is , by far , the biggest and best deal that members can get when it comes to their pharmacy needs . It will offer more services at a lower rate and offer more choices as well .”
As with any new addition to the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan , the pharmacy will grow in response to member participation and feedback , and nothing will be rushed out the door . “ We took our time with this venture , we did our analysis , and we worked with the best professionals in the business ,” says Daniel . “ The creation of the pharmacy is not something we take lightly . We ’ re creating something new , something no plan sponsor has done before , but we ’ re approaching each step with our members ’ needs in mind . I know members have choices when it comes to benefits , and I appreciate the trust and loyalty they have shown us . Because of that close relationship with members , we ’ ve been able to build something wonderful that will serve members now and well into the future .”
To learn more about ARTARx , watch for follow-up pieces in October and November ’ s ARTAfacts e-newsletters , as well as in the winter 2021 issue of the news & views magazine .
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