Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
Important update: Rite Aid pharmacy closures and patient transition support
UPMC Health Plan·Pharmacy
We identified it
Aug 7, 2026
Summary
Rite Aid pharmacy closures are disrupting UPMC Health Plan members' medication access. The billing team should educate patients on alternative in-network pharmacies, home delivery services, and direct them to UPMC's pharmacy locator tool and member services for transition support to minimize claim denials and access issues.
Action Required
Immediately: Front desk and clinical staff should inform UPMC Health Plan members during check-in about Rite Aid closures and available alternatives. Provide members with: (1) UPMC Health Plan member website URL (upmchealthplan.com/members) for pharmacy locator, (2) information on in-network home delivery services for those with transportation/mobility challenges, and (3) UPMC Health Plan Member Services contact information (upmchealthplan.com/contact) if they encounter prescription transfer issues. Billing team should monitor for claim rejections related to out-of-network pharmacy fills during the transition period and escalate to providers for clarification. No billing system changes required, but awareness of this transition is critical to prevent patient complaints and ensure continuity of medication therapy.