In 2024, pharmacies dispensed an estimated $265 billion in specialty medications — an 8% increase from the year prior, according to Drug Channels.
Compared to 2023, BrightSpring Health Services increased its specialty prescription revenue 42%, and PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy saw a 31% rise.
CVS, Cigna’s Express Scripts and UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Rx — the nation’s three largest pharmacy benefit managers — retained their long-held status at the top, accounting for two-thirds of specialty prescription revenue last year.
The top 15 specialty pharmacies by U.S. prescription revenue in 2024:
1. CVS Specialty (CVS Health) — $77.2 billion
2. Accredo/Freedom Fertility (Cigna/Evernorth/Express Scripts) — $65.2 billion
3. Optum Specialty Pharmacy (UnitedHealth Group/Optum Rx) — $35.2 billion
4. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy/Walgreens stores (Walgreens Boots Alliance) — $25.9 billion
5. Other retail, mail, long-term care and specialty pharmacies — $22.7 billion
6. Onco360 Oncology Pharmacy/CareMed Specialty Pharmacy (BrightSpring Health Services) — $6.5 billion
7. CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy (Humana) — $6.3 billion
8. Kroger Specialty Pharmacy/BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy (Elevance Health) — $5 billion
9. PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy (Independent) — $4.7 billion
10. Walmart Specialty Pharmacy/Walmart stores (Walmart) — $3.8 billion
11. Acaria Health/Foundation Care (Centene) — $2.8 billion
12. Biologics (McKesson) — $2.5 billion
13. Senderra Specialty Pharmacy (Independent) — $2.1 billion
14. AHF Pharmacy (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) — $2.1 billion
15. Lumicera Health Services (Navitus Health Solutions) — $1.8 billion
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
