Hy-Vee brings COVID-19 ‘test to treat’ to all pharmacies

Hy-Vee has begun offering test-to-treat COVID-19 services at all of its pharmacies across eight Midwestern states.

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee said yesterday that its program will use Pfizer’s Paxlovid COVID-19 antiviral medication to help treat mild-to-moderate cases of infection in certain patients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.  

To be prescribed Paxlovid, patients must test positive for COVID-19. Hy-Vee noted that selected pharmacies provide rapid PCR COVID-19 testing (available by appointment only) with fast same-day test results, while all Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations offer over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests, which may be available free to patients, depending on their medical coverage.

After receiving a positive test result, patients will be screened by a Hy-Vee pharmacist to determine their eligibility for Paxlovid. COVID-19 antiviral patients are required to wear a mask when in the store. To facilitate the screening process, Hy-Vee is recommending that patients provide date/proof of a positive test result; electronic or printed health records (less than 12 months old) for the pharmacist to review for kidney or liver problems; and a list of all medications they are taking to screen for potentially serious interactions with Paxlovid. Treatment with the antiviral begin within five days of when symptoms started.

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Launched in March by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Test to Treat is designed to provide quick access to free treatment for COVID-19. Through this program, people can get tested and — if the results are positive and treatments are appropriate for them — receive a prescription from a health care provider and have their prescription filled, all at one location. HHS said these “One-Stop Test to Treat” sites are available at hundreds of locations nationwide, including pharmacy-based clinics, Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA)-supported federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) and long-term care facilities.

Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration authorized state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid to eligible patients ages 12 , with certain limitations, Hy-Vee reported.

The Midwestern grocer began providing COVID-19 antivirals — including Merck’s Molnupiravir as well as Pfizer’s Paxlovid — at Hy-Vee pharmacies across its market area, with the type of COVID-19 antiviral available depending on pharmacy location. Molnupiravir is approved only to treat mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 in adults ages 18 and older who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.

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Health care is a pillar of Hy-Vee’s offering, and the company has steadily expanded its array of services. In December, the company unveiled RedBox Rx, a new subsidiary that provides low-cost telehealth and online pharmacy services nationwide. Earlier, in August, the grocer unveiled Hy-Vee Medicare Aisle, an agency offering Medicare coverage plans. The company’s in-store and freestanding pharmacies already provide a full range of pharmacy care, immunization and wellness services. In addition, Hy-Vee has more than 70 in-store retail health clinics; owns and operates two specialty pharmacies, Amber Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions; and in late 2020 launched its own pharmacy benefits manager (PBM), Vivid Clear Rx. And in July, Hy-Vee appointed Dr. Daniel Fick as chief medical officer, a newly created position.

Overall, Hy-Vee operates more than 285 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.