CVS Health Expands National Partnership with Arthritis Foundation® to Become the Exclusive Specialty Pharmacy 'Partner for Better Living'(SM)

Partnership will advance disease awareness, education and support for the 70 million people living with arthritis and joint pain

Expanded relationship announced in recognition of World Arthritis Day

News provided by

CVS Health

Oct 09, 2015, 11:31 ET

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Oct. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) announced today, in advance of World Arthritis Day on October 12, the expansion of a national partnership with the Arthritis Foundation® to help advance arthritis advocacy, research and patient support. As part of the partnership, CVS/specialty, the specialty pharmacy of CVS Health, will be designated an Arthritis Foundation 'Partner for Better Living'(SM) and be its first and only specialty pharmacy partner. The distinction recognizes CVS/specialty's commitment to helping people with arthritis and joint pain, and builds on the longstanding relationship between the two organizations. CVS/pharmacy is currently the exclusive retail drugstore partner of the Arthritis Foundation.

"Our expanded partnership with the Arthritis Foundation will allow us to extend our purpose of helping people on their path to better health by supporting an organization dedicated to advancing education, access to care, advancements in science and community connections for people with arthritis," said Alan Lotvin, MD, executive vice president of specialty pharmacy for CVS/caremark, the pharmacy benefits manager of CVS Health. "CVS/specialty is a different kind of pharmacy with services that offer convenience, care and support for our patients with complex conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, so they have the freedom to focus on every part of their lives, not just their condition."

As an Arthritis Foundation 'Partner for Better Living,' CVS/specialty is helping people with certain forms of arthritis take control of managing their complex condition by supporting them with specialized tools, personalized care and convenient access to medications. In fact, the unique model of CVS/specialty is focused on making it easier for patients with a range of complex conditions to start and stay on their prescriptions.

"We're pleased to expand the important work we're doing with CVS Health as the Arthritis Foundation continues to help people living with arthritis conquer every day battles," said Ann M. Palmer, president and chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation. "We know that access to information and treatment is crucial for people living with arthritis, and with CVS/specialty as a 'Partner for Better Living,' we are now able to better support the millions of Americans with arthritis, including the 1.5 million with rheumatoid arthritis requiring specialty medicines."

CVS/specialty offers the support of a Care Team comprised of pharmacists and nurses who specialize in chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and insurance specialists who work to find assistance for those with a financial hardship. Patients also have access to personalized specialty infusion care conveniently provided in the home or at an alternative infusion suite. In addition, CVS/specialty simplifies getting started on therapy by offering patients the choice of pickup at their local CVS/pharmacy, or delivery to their home, office or other location. Patients have access to online tools and a free mobile app where they can order refills, track deliveries and get reminders to help them stay on track. For more information about CVS/specialty, visit www.cvsspecialty.com

Since 2014, CVS/pharmacy has been an Arthritis Foundation 'Partner for Better Living' and a one-stop-shop for arthritis-related products, services and resources in-store and online. As part of the partnership, many CVS/pharmacy locations across the country house the Arthritis Solutions Center, which features products and resources to help better support people living with arthritis. By expanding the national partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, CVS Health can better support the full spectrum of people living with arthritis and joint pain.

About CVS Health
CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 7,800 retail drugstores, nearly 1,000 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 70 million plan members, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable, effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at www.cvshealth.com.

About Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation's goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4million readers.

Media Contact:

Christina Beckerman
CVS Health
(401) 770-8868
[email protected]

Mary Alfieri
CVS Health
401-770-9811
[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140905/143585
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151009/275691LOGO

SOURCE CVS Health