Blue Cross Supported Cancer Drug Repository Gives $14 Million in Medications to Michigan Residents
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Every year, more than $5 billion in unused medication is thrown out in hospitals and in long-term care facilities.
But Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is helping to stem this waste and aid Michigan residents through the Yes Rx Network, which was launched in 2023 with partners Trinity Health and the Michigan Society of Hematology and Oncology to optimize utilization of the Michigan Cancer Drug Repository Program. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization collects and redistributes medication used to treat cancer or the side effects of cancer or chemotherapy to people who have been diagnosed.
Blue Cross’ Value Partnerships program provided seed money to start YesRx, and pharmacists from the Blue Cross-funded Pharmacists Optimizing Oncology Care Excellence in Michigan initially supported and continue to support the program.
Since the organization’s formation in 2023, it has:
- Provided $14 million worth of cancer medication to patients in Michigan at no cost.
- Collected $21 million worth of cancer medication from across the U.S.
- Prevented 75,000 pills from entering Michigan landfills and waterways.
- Partnered with 90 health care partner sites across 90% of the state.
“I’m grateful every day that we can do this work and that we can see how it impacts patients and cancer clinicians across the state. We regularly hear individual stories of what a difference this has made for a person or their family,” said Siobhan Norman, YesRx chief executive officer. “Bringing together a state-wide network and providing a simple path for clinicians to deliver good news to their patients without a big lift has been incredibly rewarding. The effect on Michiganders has been incredible and not only includes the patients receiving the medications but also those who have made this happen by their generous donations allowing them to give back to the cancer community and decrease the effects of medication waste on our lands and water.”
Cancer medication prices, like other drug prices, are costly for the whole health care system, from the hospitals to health insurers to the patient. But there is also waste in both money and drugs. A single change in treatment for patients taking oral medication results in an average of $4,300 in waste.
As three quarters of Americans worry about paying for cancer treatment, YesRx is part of making health care more affordable for Michigan residents. Any Michigan resident with cancer can receive medication through the nonprofit. Michiganians who are uninsured or receive public assistance are given first and second priority for the medications.
By providing health care to vulnerable people through programs like YesRx, Blue Cross is working to address the affordability crisis while assisting Michiganians who may be going through very challenging times. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is committed to helping members and businesses save money on drug costs. Blue Cross works with partners to reduce medication costs and find less expensive biosimilars and generic medications. Pharmacy is the health care benefit Blue Cross members use most often. By working with members to understand how to purchase and manage prescriptions, it keeps health care costs lower for everyone.
“YesRx provides significant value to Michigan residents – not only on the financial end related to the burden of the high-cost medication but it also impacts their overall well-being. We’ve heard from patients and their families how YesRx has been able to provide relief in a setting that often causes them to wait weeks or months and while the worry about their cancer builds,” said Emily Mackler, PharmD, Yes Rx co-founder and chief medical officer. “Finally, we know we’re improving the clinical outcomes for patients when we prevent gaps in care, or unintended nonadherence, to their treatment regimen.”
Health care providers across the state can join the YesRx network and become a partner.
Michigan residents who have unopened cancer medication in sealed blister packs and that is six months or more from expiration can find out how to donate them to YesRx here. There are in-person collections at clinics and hospitals across the State, and YesRx sponsors collection weeks twice a year. The next collection is Oct. 20-24.
Image: Getty Images
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