Rite Aid names group VP managed care

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has hired Wendy Barnes as group VP managed care, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

Reporting to SVP pharmacy services Chris Hall, Barnes will be responsible for all aspects of managed care, including contracting; relationships with managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and third-party payers; and developing new strategic partnerships.

"Wendy is a veteran of the managed care industry, and we are excited about the extensive knowledge and experience she is bringing to Rite Aid," Hall said. "Her expertise will be an invaluable resource as the company executes its managed care strategy in the rapidly changing healthcare environment."

Barnes previously served as pharmacy contracting and new business development director for Premier Healthcare Alliance, servicing 2,500 hospitals and 78,000 alternate site members. At Premier, she served as a member of the specialty pharmacy acquisition team and established the first drug-savings program for Oregon state employees. She also has served several hospital administration positions in the Air Force as an officer of the Medical Service Corps.