Intercept Rx prides itself on having experts who are not only highly knowledgeable in their field but also deeply committed to the mission of providing transparent and cost-effective pharmacy solutions.
Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Don Anderson, our dedicated pharmacist, whose journey in the field of pharmacy is both inspiring and impactful.
A legacy of pharmacy excellence
Growing up in Birmingham, AL, Don was immersed in the world of pharmacy from an early age. As a third-generation pharmacist, it’s safe to say that pharmacy runs in his blood. Following in his grandfather and father’s footsteps, Don attended Samford University, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for the field.
During his time in pharmacy school, Don even took the opportunity to work on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in Montana, later living in Idaho and Jackson Hole, experiences that broadened his perspective on healthcare.
After earning his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and an MBA, Don embarked on a career that spanned 25 years at CVS, with 12 of those years spent in field management.
Don, in Montana, during his time working on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation, an experience that expanded his understanding of healthcare.
The vision behind Intercept Rx
Don’s journey with Intercept Rx began after a turning point in his career. While in field management, he noticed that transparency in reporting was becoming increasingly limited, leaving him with fewer opportunities to make an impact. He realized that there had to be a better way to provide pharmacy services with integrity and transparency.
It was during a conversation with a friend from Sunday School, that Don’s vision for Intercept Rx started to take shape. They discussed the high cost of COBRA insurance and the discrepancies between what doctors pay for coverage versus what they receive in reimbursement.
This realization drove Don to start working with independent pharmacies, consulting, and analyzing claims data for various plans. He discovered that many plans were overpaying for medications, sometimes as much as $900 for a drug that could be sourced for $30 from an independent pharmacy.
From this insight, Intercept Rx was born, with a clear mission: to lower overall pharmacy spend for employers, empowering them to take control of their pharmacy benefits and make decisions that truly benefit their employees.
Don in a medical mission trip to Venezuela.
The future of pharmacy benefits with Intercept Rx
Don and his founding partners’ goal for Intercept Rx is simple yet ambitious: to show employers there is a better way to manage pharmacy benefits. By providing a transparent, cost-effective approach, Intercept Rx aims to give employers the control they deserve over their pharmacy spend, ultimately helping them lower premiums and make more informed decisions.
“We want to put the fiduciary responsibility back in the hands of employers,” Don explains, “giving them control over something they don’t currently have control over.”
Who benefits from Intercept Rx?
Intercept Rx is designed to help a wide range of clients, from companies with just 10 employees to those with over 5,000. According to Don, any self-funded company or level-funded company can benefit from Intercept Rx’s services.
In fact, through comprehensive analysis, “I’ve yet to meet a company that can’t benefit from our services,” says Don.
Delivering impactful results
The impact of Intercept Rx on companies has been significant. Don shares that, on average, about 10% of a company’s total covered population can account for 20 to 30% of total drug spend.
Through these services, many companies have been able to save up to 30% on total drug spend with minimal disruption. This not only represents substantial savings but also encourages employees to be more engaged in their health and well-being.
A glimpse into Don’s life beyond pharmacy
Don enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Alaina, have four wonderful children: Caroline (13), Charlotte (11), Annie (8), and Ward (4).
Don with his wife, Alaina, and their four children—Caroline, Charlotte, Annie, and Ward—enjoying a family day together.
Coaching youth sports is one of Don’s favorite ways to connect with his children, and he’s deeply passionate about being involved in their lives.
An avid adventurer, Don enjoys traveling, backpacking, and outdoor activities. One of his most memorable achievements includes climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a testament to his dedication and drive, both in his personal life and the professional challenges he undertakes.
Don holding a certificate celebrating his achievement of reaching Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
Why Don’s story matters
Don’s story is a true testament to his commitment to helping others. His journey from a third-generation pharmacist to a passionate advocate for transparent and affordable pharmacy benefits is a reminder of the positive impact that one dedicated individual can have on an industry.
At Intercept Rx, we’re honored to have Don as co-founder and part of our team, and we’re excited to see the continued impact he’ll have on our clients and their employees.