Business Wire·Sep 17, 2026, 8:01 AM ET

New Humana research finds association between pharmacy care coordination services and improved health outcomes for cancer patients

A study published in the Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research found that cancer patients receiving care coordination from a dedicated specialty pharmacy team experienced improved health outcomes & lower medical costs.
Conducted by Humana Pharmacy Analytics & Consulting, the research analyzed one-year outcomes for Humana Medicare Advantage Part D members who utilized CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy's Oncology Center of Excellence versus those who opted out.
Key statistical findings included an 11.7% reduction in hospitalizations, a 2.7% reduction in emergency department visits, & a 7.7% reduction in overall medical costs.
These results were consistent across variations in patient age, gender, & geography.
The care coordination program, led by pharmacists, nurses, & specialists, focuses on medication adherence & efficacy for patients prescribed intravenous chemotherapy, oral targeted oncolytics, & immunotherapies through clinical & emotional support.
As a retrospective observational study, the findings indicate statistical associations rather than direct causation & may not be generalizable beyond the studied Medicare Part D population.
Bethanie Stein, President of Pharmacy at Humana, stated that integrated care support is necessary to treat complex conditions like cancer.
CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy serves Humana members & non-members, providing specialty medications for cancer, neuromuscular conditions, & rare diseases.