Q: Where did you grow up?
Tamaqua, PA
Q: Where did you go to college?
Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Q: What are your favorites?
Food: Vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles
Movie: Steel Magnolias
Musicians: Backstreet Boys, Breaking Benjamin, Taylor Swift
Destination: Las Vegas, Nevada
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my two daughters and being actively involved in their lives. Whether it’s helping with homework, cheering them on at their multitude of activities, or finding creative ways to make family time special, being present for them means the world to me.
Q: What kind of work does your company do in 340B and what makes it stand out?
Cencora plays a significant role in the 340B drug pricing program by providing innovative solutions and services that support covered entities (CEs) contract pharmacies, and manufacturers in maximizing the benefits of the program while ensuring compliance.
What makes Cencora stand out is the support we provide to CEs, including helping 340B CEs optimize their participation in the program, and working closely with the internal contracts and pricing team to evaluate contracts and pricing and aid in transparency to customers. Cencora also has contract pharmacy solutions and facilitates efficient partnerships between CEs and contract pharmacies to expand patient access to affordable medications. Finally, the manufacturer services provided by Cencora help us stand out from competitors. I work closely with pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement and manage 340B policies, including eligibility requirements and pricing strategies.
Q: Why did you choose to work in the 340B space?
I chose to work in the 340B space because it aligns with my passion for building strong partnerships with manufacturers while making a real difference in the ever-changing world of healthcare. The 340B program has a unique mission of expanding access to affordable medications for underserved populations, and I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to a program that impacts so many lives.
Engaging with manufacturers in this space allows me to navigate complex challenges and collaborate on innovative solutions. I’m motivated by the opportunity to serve as a liaison between stakeholders, strengthen relationships, and support a program that upholds equity and access in healthcare.
Q: What do you feel is your most significant contribution to the 340B world or to a 340B customer/client?
In my position, I play a key role in fostering productive relationships between manufacturers, CEs and contract pharmacies, as well as Cencora. This responsibility includes mitigating disputes, ensuring alignment with manufacturer 340B policies, and facilitating open communication to maintain trust and collaboration.
Q: What advice do you have for a young professional who has recently launched a career in the 340B space?
The 340B program is complex but incredibly rewarding and can make a true difference in patients’ lives. The best piece of advice I have for a young professional is to take the time to understand the building blocks of 340B, including the complexities that come along with the 340B drug program. Also, collaboration is key! Take the time to build relationships across all platforms (manufacturers, TPAs, CEs, etc). Also, never stop learning! Strive to be a life-long student so that you can continually add tools to your toolbox.
For questions, Holly can be reached at holly.bones@cencora.com
