STOUGHTON, Mass. & Des Moines, IA. (July 30, 2024)- Shields Health Solutions (Shields), the premier specialty pharmacy accelerator in the country and a Walgreens-owned company, announced today its expanded partnership with UnityPoint at Home, a subsidiary of Iowa-based UnityPoint Health. Building upon the existing partnership that began in 2017, the enhanced collaboration will focus on extending a specialty pharmacy program that provides patients with complex, chronic conditions access to specialized pharmacy services designed to lower costs, broaden treatment options, improve medication management, and overall health.
The collaborative partnership between UnityPoint at Home and Shields will offer expanded support services to meet the unique needs of patients with complex chronic conditions. Shields’ expansive access to payer networks and complex drugs, including recently approved and newly available drugs, will allow patients to receive all their services through UnityPoint at Home with increased access to specialty treatment options. Shields currently partners with nearly 80 health systems around the country, helping partners reduce co-pays, promptly receive medication delivery, and improve medication adherence.
“UnityPoint at Home has been a highly valued partner for years, and we are excited to expand our relationship with an organization dedicated to providing outstanding care for complex patients,” said Stephen West, CEO of Shields Health Solutions. “By securing access to 90 percent of the limited distribution drugs that complex patients need and opening the door to restricted payer networks, our accelerated partnership will continue to create access to affordable care, while improving therapy management and care coordination for UnityPoint at Home’s patients.”
Headquartered near Des Moines, Iowa, UnityPoint at Home coordinates the services, support, and education necessary for individuals to continue their care at home with its network of physicians, hospitals and clinics. Its specialty pharmacy program is accredited by both the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
“We are committed to delivering exceptional care for all patients. Our partnership with Shields enhances our efforts to consistently deliver a positive patient experience, including those who need the most specialized care,” said Jenn Ofelt, President of UnityPoint at Home. “We’re pleased to build upon our existing relationship with Shields and leverage its expertise in the health system specialty pharmacy industry.”