Our work in pharmacy benefits vendor procurement is grounded in a clear commitment to representing plan sponsors, not PBMs. We provide full revenue disclosure and operate with transparency at every stage of engagement. By identifying the sponsor’s operational and financial pain points, we develop tailored models that align with strategic objectives and uphold member affordability. Our services encompass end-to-end vendor selection support, including RFP development, proposal evaluation, and comparative analysis. We help clients assess potential cost savings and design benefit structures that balance flexibility, fiscal responsibility, and member access, ensuring the procurement process delivers measurable value and long-term sustainability.

At Acumen, we offer each client a thorough evaluation of their existing PBM arrangement. Each contract is assessed for alignment with current market benchmarks, focusing on financial guarantees, pricing terms, and service-level commitments. Our analysis identifies both the strengths and weaknesses of the current agreement, including areas where pricing may be competitive and where rebate structures, specialty drug terms, or member service provisions may fall short. These insights empower plan sponsors to make informed decisions, renegotiate outdated terms, and strengthen the overall value and transparency of their pharmacy benefit strategy.

With our Implementation Services, clients can be assured of a seamless vendor transition. Whether executing a full replacement, modular approach, or carve-out strategy, we provide comprehensive oversight to ensure a timely and accurate rollout. Our team manages benefit design validation, formulary mapping, data migration, and stakeholder communication, with a strong focus on minimizing member disruption. We also incorporate implementation guarantees to hold vendors accountable for performance milestones and service-level commitments, giving plan sponsors confidence that their new PBM arrangement will launch smoothly and deliver on expectations from day one.

To ensure long-term value and accountability, Acumen provides Dedicated PBM Support tailored to each plan sponsor’s needs. We offer ongoing, hands-on oversight to ensure full transparency across financial, clinical, and operational processes. Our team works directly with the client’s PBM to monitor contract adherence, validate pricing and rebate flows, and assess utilization trends that impact overall plan performance. We deliver strategic guidance to manage cost drivers, optimize formulary decisions, and improve member outcomes. Through monthly or quarterly performance reporting, we provide clear visibility into key metrics, highlighting areas of strength and identifying opportunities for improvement. This continuous support helps sponsors maintain control, enhance value, and stay aligned with evolving market standards.

Designing a pharmacy benefit that delivers both value and equity requires careful planning and expert insight. Acumen’s Pharmacy Plan Design services provide strategic guidance to help plan sponsors structure benefits that balance drug access, affordability, and regulatory compliance. We collaborate with clients to develop and refine member cost-sharing models that support financial sustainability while promoting equitable coverage. Our approach considers plan demographics, therapeutic categories, and evolving market dynamics to ensure benefit designs remain competitive and responsive. By aligning coverage structures with clinical standards and regulatory expectations, Acumen helps sponsors deliver pharmacy benefits that are both cost-effective and member-focused.

Managing risk effectively requires more than awareness. It demands a proactive, structured approach. Acumen’s Strategic Mitigation services help plan sponsors identify, assess, and address potential risks that could impact financial performance, regulatory compliance, or member experience. We collaborate with clients to develop actionable mitigation strategies tailored to their operational and contractual landscape, focusing on reducing both the probability and impact of adverse events. Through ongoing monitoring and performance tracking, we ensure that mitigation plans remain responsive and effective. This disciplined process supports strategic decision-making, strengthens organizational resilience, and safeguards long-term plan integrity.