Changing your pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) for your self-funded plan is a major undertaking, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress. With the right partner and a clear plan, you can ensure a smooth transition that minimizes disruption for your members and delivers the best possible financial outcomes for your organization. In the first episode of our Full Disclosure series, we demystified the PBM transition experience with pharmacy experts, Alissa Johnson, Senior Director, Clinical Strategy at SmithRx, and Joy Gilbert, SVP, Customer Success at SmithRx, and broke down the core stages of implementing a new pharmacy benefits partner. Continue reading to get a complete rundown of the transition experience, as well as the things you should get from your PBM at each stage, below. This isn't a simple checklist; our experts walk through a complete roadmap to help you navigate the process with confidence, from the initial planning stages to going live and beyond.

Discover what the pillars of a modern PBM are and the effect they have on the pharmacy benefits experience.

It can be hard to determine what is real savings vs discount claims in the pharmacy industry. Learn about what to look for in PBM reporting here.

Explore PBM reform: its meaning, drivers, and how emerging transparent PBMs like SmithRx deliver better outcomes.

Legacy PBMs are still failing to evolve and offer effective, patient-first healthcare—leaving employers unsatisfied. Learn more here about legacy PBMs and the future of transparency.

Self-funded health plans offer cost savings and flexibility—but only if you have the right PBM partner. Learn how employers are thriving with SmithRx’s transparent, proactive model.

Explore barriers to biosimilar adoption, such as PBM practices, regulatory limitations, and provider and patient level friction and learn what employers can do to promote uptake.

Discover how vertical integration and pricing manipulation by PBMs are limiting biosimilar access—and what employers can do to ensure savings and transparency.

Same drug, same pharmacy—very different outcomes. See how legacy PBMs inflate costs through spread and rebate retention, and how SmithRx lowers them through transparency and true alignment.

On World MS Day, move beyond awareness. Learn how early MS diagnosis, employer support, and affordable treatments make a difference

FDA grants Otulfi (Stelara biosimilar) interchangeability. SmithRx details how this win boosts patient access, lowers drug costs & drives major client savings.

ERISA compliance includes understanding the fiduciary role & the key health plan obligations. Learn more about ERISA & the connection to pharmacy benefits here.

How Encore cut PMPM pharmacy costs by 60% with SmithRx’s transparent, pass-through model and Connect 360 programs—boosting savings and member support.

Legacy PBMs are pushing community pharmacies out of business. Discover why your local pharmacy is at risk and how transparent PBM solutions can help them survive.

Demonstrate the true ROI of your pharmacy benefits. This guide helps HR present clear financial data (PMPM, program savings, rebate transparency) that CFOs value.

Learn how biosimilars provide lower-cost alternatives to expensive biologic drugs, improving access to life-saving treatments, reducing healthcare costs, and encouraging innovation.

Hear how SmithRx rebuilt the PBM model for full transparency—no spread pricing, no rebate games, just clear costs and aligned incentives.

Learn why fiduciary alignment matters in pharmacy benefits—and how choosing the right PBM can reduce costs, boost compliance, and protect your employees.

Discover how AgXplore achieved a $344 PMPM reduction and 57x ROI by switching to SmithRx—improving costs and the employee experience.

Asking the right questions can greatly affect your PBM pricing. Learn the best questions to ask your PBM about transparent pricing here.

Learn how Multiple Sclerosis impacts employees, the role of DMTs and generics in treatment, and how employers can support workers with resources from NMSS

Find out how drug rebates impact prescription costs, and learn strategies for employers to reduce employees’ out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

Concerned about rising drug costs for your self-insured plan? Explore how PBMs negotiate lower prices and implement strategies to save your company money.

Discover how value-based care is reshaping healthcare by focusing on patient outcomes and lowering costs. PBMs are shifting towards this model to provide more efficient and patient-centered care.