Boehringer Ingelheim is deeply committed to ensuring patients have access to the medications they need. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Bi Cares Program, a vital initiative designed to bridge gaps in patient access to therapy. This program operates under the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation, functioning as a social business with a significant operating budget exceeding $8 million. Annually, it facilitates the donation of approximately $800 million worth of Boehringer Ingelheim medicines across the United States and 77 countries globally.
The BI Cares Program plays a crucial role in providing a safety net for underserved patient populations. It strategically addresses the challenges faced by uninsured and underinsured individuals, ensuring they receive necessary medications. The program’s effectiveness relies on efficient vendor operations, seamless fulfillment processes, and responsive customer service, all meticulously managed to uphold the highest standards of care.
A dedicated team oversees the daily operations of the BI Cares Program, diligently tracking progress against strategic objectives and monitoring key performance indicators. This proactive approach allows for the identification of trends and potential operational risks, enabling the team to implement timely and effective solutions. Complex cases, escalations, and patient appeals are thoroughly reviewed and analyzed, with extraordinary situations escalated to management for careful consideration and resolution.
Effective management of external agencies and vendors is integral to the BI Cares Program. This includes the development of specific projects, careful budget management, and fostering strategic relationships with community partners. Collaboration extends across various Boehringer Ingelheim departments, including Medical, Access, Reimbursement Strategy and Support, Finance, Law, Policy, Tax, Customer Relations, Brand, Distribution, and Technical Operations. This cross-functional approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles faced by patients and allows for the development of holistic solutions.
Supply chain management is also a critical aspect of the BI Cares Program, particularly as it relates to the patient journey. The program proactively manages supply chain issues to ensure uninterrupted access to medications. Furthermore, the BI Cares Program seamlessly integrates new product and new indication launches, preparing for any product loss of exclusivity to minimize patient impact.
Data management and security are paramount. The BI Cares Program collaborates closely with IT and data privacy teams on data feed development, IT mapping, and website and SharePoint development, ensuring robust and secure data handling processes. To maintain program integrity and compliance, comprehensive training is developed and implemented for both internal and external teams, covering Patient Assistance policies and program business rules.
The BI Cares Program is not static; it continuously evolves through active thought leadership and benchmarking against other external foundations. By identifying philanthropic trends and best practices, the program proactively seeks opportunities for improvement and enhanced patient impact. Regular benchmarking ensures that the BI Cares Program remains at the forefront of patient assistance initiatives.
The strategic direction of the BI Cares Program is guided by the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Steering Committee and the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Board. These governing bodies provide essential oversight, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission and objectives. The program’s leadership is adept at adjusting strategies swiftly to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape and budgetary considerations, maintaining flexibility and responsiveness.
Compliance and quality are non-negotiable principles of the BI Cares Program. Stringent guidelines, processes, and governance frameworks are established and routinely updated to meet the Foundation’s evolving needs. Close partnership with U.S. and global Quality Management ensures that all suppliers maintain quality programs that meet or exceed Boehringer Ingelheim standards. All activities are conducted in strict accordance with BI Cares Program and company policies and procedures, with governance at the core of all operations. The program also oversees the close and continuous monitoring of the substantial product donations to mitigate risks, ensuring product and channel security, proper import/export operations, and adherence to international Good Storage Practices and relevant import/export laws. Inventory track and trace by batch/lot is maintained for recall readiness. Regular audits, both internal and external, are conducted to ensure program integrity and identify areas for potential improvement. Compliance with U.S. regulatory laws and standards is rigorously maintained, including annual training for the Steering Committee, Board members, program administrators, and key stakeholders.
Beyond routine operations, the BI Cares Program extends its reach to disaster relief efforts. It actively engages employees in these initiatives, leveraging the company’s resources to respond to unmet medical needs during times of crisis. Collaboration with industry groups like PQMD further enhances the program’s effectiveness by promoting industry best practices and fostering collective action.
In conclusion, the BI Cares Program stands as a testament to Boehringer Ingelheim’s unwavering dedication to patient well-being. Through strategic operations, robust compliance measures, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the program effectively enhances patient access to essential medications, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals worldwide.
