JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Jacksonville\u2019s Duval DOGE Special Committee said Wednesday it has identified $4.2 million in potential annual savings within the city\u2019s employee pharmacy benefit plan.<\/p>\n
Councilman Ron Salem, chairman of the committee, emphasized the importance of acting quickly to capture these savings. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a responsibility to ensure every taxpayer dollar is used efficiently while maintaining quality healthcare coverage for our dedicated city employees,\u201d Salem said.<\/p>\n
The committee\u2019s findings come after a review of the pharmacy program, conducted in partnership with The Bailey Group. DOGE said the review uncovered structural inefficiencies, vendor contract issues, and cost containment opportunities that could save taxpayers millions without reducing employee benefits.<\/p>\n
A major source of savings is switching the city\u2019s pharmacy benefit manager from Prime to Express Scripts, which offers higher guaranteed rebates\u2014$10.7 million compared to Prime\u2019s $6.4 million. <\/p>\n
The transition could be completed within approximately 90 days, Salem said, and preserve the integrity and competitiveness of employee benefits. <\/p>\n
The committee said it will present the recommendations to the Mayor\u2019s Office for consideration. If adopted, DOGE says it will lead to immediate cost savings in next year\u2019s budget. <\/p>\n
Following the meeting, Councilman Salem told News4JAX he supports establishing an independent council committee focused on government spending oversight, separate from the finance committee, to improve transparency and accountability. <\/p>\n
Councilmember Rory Diamond proposed two options for this oversight committee: a standalone entity or a subcommittee of the finance committee. <\/p>\n
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