Presidents Update January 2019
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We just completed our yearly meetings with suppliers and bid process and it’s looking like 2019 is going
to be a great year for generics, for Auburn, and ultimately for our customers!
We are seeing more price changes then I can ever remember, both up and down, as manufacturers continue
to “rationalize” their product lines. In many cases they are either raising prices on inexpensive items
to cover increased costs or they are discontinuing them.
With all of the raw material problems, manufacturing issues, and consolidation amongst suppliers, some
of our biggest suppliers are not even submitting proposals on many of their products.
Now more than ever it’s going to be important to build a strong relationship with your supplier to insure
you have a consistent supply. Our fill rates at Auburn remain one of the highest in the business. We
stock a large inventory and our purchasing department has strong ties throughout the industry.
Auburn had another record year in 2018 and we’re confident 2019 will be even better. Thank you to all
of our loyal customers and we look forward to continuing to help you.
It looks as though beginning January 1st, over 100 distributors will be removed from OptumRX covered
prescription services. OptumRX has given these distributors over two (2) years to obtain their VAWD
accreditation and they have still not done so. Pharmacies may be denied reimbursement from OptumRX
for products that they dispensed if they were not purchased from a VAWD accredited distributor. Many
of the other large PBM’s are expected to follow Optum’s lead here.
Auburns’ warehouses, both Troy and Salt Lake City, are VAWD accredited and everything that we sell comes
directly from the original manufacturer or their designated representatives. Nothing is purchased on
the secondary market.
We’re pleased to announce that Auburn’s new website was recently launched and we’re getting some great
feedback. It’s cleaner, faster, and even easier to use. Make sure you check it out at AuburnGenerics.com
and GenericBid.com.