One-on-one benefits conversations also allow employees to ask specific questions that they may not get answered when referencing online materials or asking friends, family, and coworkers.

This policy change, which was not publicly announced, aligns with the health system's merger with Advocate Aurora Health, forming the nation's fifth largest non-profit health care system.

Making the move from being fully insured to a self-funded plan allows employers to leverage pharmacy benefit managers to help employees buy their medications at significantly reduced prices.

The National Community Pharmacists Association, which represents 19,400 independent pharmacies, has formed Trust LLC to investigate the use of direct and indirect remuneration fees they are being charged by PBMs.