Not All Specialty Drug Programs Are Created Equal
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Specialty medications can be life-changing, even lifesaving, for patients with complex conditions. Yet navigating the programs designed to fund these medications can be overwhelming and confusing. Over the years, alternative funding programs (AFPs) have emerged to address rising costs, but many come with trade-offs: limited access, confusing processes, and incentives that may not always align with patient care.
At SHARx, we know firsthand how personal this challenge is. Our CGO, Paul Pruitt, personally experienced the stress of navigating specialty drug access with his own children. Seeing the financial strain, administrative hurdles, and uncertainty patients faced inspired him (along with Corey Durbin, CEO) to create a better way — a system that puts the member first while supporting employers and brokers in delivering predictable outcomes.
What Often Goes Wrong in Specialty Drug Programs
Some models in the market can inadvertently create risk for patients and employers:
- Profit incentives sometimes conflict with patient access. Programs that earn revenue from price differences or rebates may not always prioritize member care.
- Limited sourcing pathways can delay access. Programs that rely solely on manufacturer assistance programs may restrict options for patients.
- Lack of transparency makes oversight difficult. Employers and brokers may not have a clear view of pricing, sourcing, or program outcomes.
These practices are not universal, but mislabeling programs as “alternative funding” often obscures the ethical, member-focused solutions that do exist.
How SHARx is Different
SHARx was built to solve these challenges with clarity, accountability, and compassion. Here’s how:
1. Predictable Flat-Fee Model
We do not profit from rebates or spreads. Our flat-fee structure ensures that our incentives are aligned with employers and patients, not with maximizing “savings” at the expense of care.
2. Member-First Access
Members never lose access to the medications they need. Every sourcing pathway is considered — from manufacturer programs to specialty pharmacies — so affordability and continuity of care are always prioritized.
3. Transparency and Accountability
Employers and brokers have full visibility into pricing, sourcing, and outcomes. This transparency allows them to make informed decisions and fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities while providing better care for members.
4. Integrity in Action
SHARx does not just talk about ethics — we act on them. When our company was wrongly accused as being an AFP, we took legal action to protect our reputation and the patients we serve. (Read more →)
A Critical Takeaway for Employers
The reality is clear: employers are facing a crisis as medication costs continue to rise. Many solutions have been created to address this problem, but most offer only partial relief. SHARx is unique. We provide a comprehensive solution that combines ethical sourcing with a member-first approach, ensuring employees have access to the medications they need while giving employers and brokers predictable, transparent results.
Why This Matters
For our members, the stakes are deeply personal. Delays, coverage gaps, or confusing program rules can create financial stress, treatment interruptions, and emotional strain.
For employers and brokers, opaque or misaligned programs make it difficult to manage costs and meet fiduciary obligations. SHARx eliminates these risks. We connect the dots responsibly, ethically, and transparently, allowing employers and brokers to focus on what matters most: supporting the health and well-being of their members.
Setting a Higher Standard
The specialty drug access landscape is evolving, and scrutiny of existing models is necessary. SHARx welcomes this attention because it highlights what makes us different:
- A flat-fee, fiduciary-aligned model
- Ethical, member-first sourcing
- Full transparency for employers and brokers
- A commitment to integrity in every decision
Our mission is simple: empower brokers to deliver measurable impact and ensure patients have access to high-cost medications without compromise.
SHARx was founded out of personal experience, guided by compassion, and built on ethical, transparent practices. Not all programs are created equal. By putting members first and holding ourselves accountable, we are setting a higher standard for the industry.