Q: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in rural southeast Alabama in the small town of Luverne.
Q: Where did you go to college/graduate school?
I attended Troy University for both my Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree and both are in accounting. I also have my CPA license.
Q: What are your favorites?
Food: Anything Italian!
Movie: Shawshank Redemption
Musicians: Eric Church, Morgan Wallen, Bryson Gray
Destination: Any island in the Caribbean
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
I’ve been a CrossFitter for 13 years now and it’s how I release stress. I built my own gym many years ago and I work out and run 6 days a week. In addition, our home is on 10 acres and I like to work outside maintaining the property whenever there is free time. And if that’s not enough, I play golf and do my best to follow the various sports and activities of my four daughters.
Q: What kind of work does your company do in 340B and what makes it stand out?
PharmaForce is the Best in KLAS Third Party Administrator for Contract Pharmacy, Split Billing, and Referral Capture. What makes PharmaForce particularly unique is that we were created by 340B stakeholders. When a firm like ours is built by people who have run 340B programs first-hand, it provides everyone in the organization with the knowledge of what our customers need in a TPA partner. We tailor our offerings to deliver on that from a very informed perspective.
Q: Why did you choose to work in the 340B space?
I am the former CFO of a large FQHC in Alabama and I ran the 340B program there. During that time, I took the company from 10 contract pharmacies (and around $100,000 a year in net savings) to more than 100 contract pharmacies and $3 million a year in net savings. Most importantly, we were able to partner with independent pharmacies positioned near all of our 22 locations and utilized a cash card program for our uninsured and underinsured patients that ensured access to their prescriptions and so they could get well again. Of that, 25% of our savings went directly to the uninsured patients for subsidizing their prescription costs. After years of building a network in the 340B space I became a TPA sales rep and transferred what I had learned working for a CE with a growing 340B program to CEs all over the country. In my current role I speak with 340B stakeholders in all 50 states.
Q: What do you feel is your most significant contribution to the 340B world or to a 340B customer/client?
I feel lucky to work with PharmaForce. As an excellent TPA partner, I can help CEs all over the country maximize their 340B savings opportunities and increase their patient’s access to care. All while being 100% compliant in the program. People who have never worked for a CE have a much more difficult time understanding how CEs utilize their 340B savings and how much they depend on those savings to keep their doors open. And often we don’t highlight enough the direct impact it has on patient care. It’s really amazing how these CEs go above and beyond to keep their patients as healthy as possible, regardless of their insurance status. There aren’t many jobs out there where you get to show your appreciation to the people for what they do every day and really mean it! It’s a privilege.
Q: What advice do you have for a young professional who has recently launched a career in the 340B space?
Get out there and build your network! Get to know everyone in the industry on the vendor side. There are so many great vendors, sales reps, and consultants out there that can help a CE. But they can also be a tremendous resource for knowledge. And get to know your peers! In fact, get to know every expert in the field and let them help you learn everything you can. The connections I have made have helped me immensely in my role as VP of National Sales for PharmaForce. Those on the vendor side should also get to know everyone. Why? Simply put, 340B is a niche market and we all know each other. Some of my best friends in the space are direct competitors of mine. But they all bring value. And the more you know, the better you are.
For questions, Justin can be reached at jrolling@thepharmaforce.com.
