Case Studies

AgXplore

Written by

SmithRx

•

April 2, 2025

$165,000

Reduction in pharmacy costs through Connect 360 programs and 100% pass-through rebates

$344

Reduction in PMPM, translating to significant savings for both the employer and employees

57x

ROI in Connect 360

Written by

SmithRx

A new type of pharmacy benefits manager, SmithRx is working to reduce pharmacy costs by reimagining the traditional PBM as a Drug Acquisition Platform built on transparent modern technology that aligns with the needs of our customers.

When AgXplore, an agricultural company specializing in crop nutrition and fertility management solutions, set out to improve its pharmacy benefits strategy, the goal wasn’t just cost savings—it was finding a partner that could deliver transparency, smarter support, and long-term value for employees. Working alongside their trusted benefits consultant, The Daniel & Henry Company, AgXplore chose SmithRx and its Connect 360 solution. The result: a streamlined implementation, improved member experience, and a $344 PMPM reduction that far exceeded expectations.

The Challenge: Rising Pharmacy Costs and Limited Support from a Legacy PBM

AgXplore has always been committed to supporting its employees with comprehensive and affordable benefits. However, rising pharmacy costs had become a growing concern, both for the company and its employees.

“For the last several years, our pharmacy spend was out of control,” said Leah Wellenstein, HR Director at AgXplore. “We received no real solutions from our previous PBM, and our employees were frustrated with high costs and a lack of customer support.”

Recognizing the need for a better approach, AgXplore set out to find a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that could provide cost-effective solutions while improving the member experience.

The Solution: SmithRx Connect 360 Cost Containment Programs

AgXplore partnered with SmithRx, a modern, 100% pass-through PBM, to take control of their pharmacy benefits. Key factors in their decision included transparent pricing, meaningful cost-saving programs, and dedicated customer support.

“The choice of SmithRx was an easy one,” Wellenstein shared. “The programs within Connect 360 were the answers we had been searching for and couldn’t find with other PBMs.”

Connect 360 is a comprehensive suite of cost-containment programs designed to steer members toward the most affordable medication options. These programs played a key role in reducing prescription costs for both AgXplore and its employees. Backed by a dedicated Member Support team, Connect 360 made it easy for employees to get enrolled and start saving, with hands-on guidance provided every step of the way.

SmithRx worked closely with AgXplore and their benefits consultant, The Daniel & Henry Company, to ensure a smooth transition. Employees were provided with clear education on the new benefits, and SmithRx’s hands-on support made the implementation process seamless.

The Results: Impressive Cost Savings and a Better Member Experience

Just six months into their first year with SmithRx, AgXplore saw:

165,000 reduction in pharmacy costs through Connect 360 programs and 100% pass-through rebates
$344 PMPM (per member per month) reduction, translating to significant savings for both the employer and employees
A 57x ROI on Connect 360

“Our ROI with SmithRx has exceeded expectations,” Wellenstein stated. “In just the first quarter, we saw a 57x return on investment through the Connect 360 programs.”

Beyond the numbers, AgXplore employees reported a vastly improved experience. Employees are now more engaged, educated, and able to make better healthcare decisions. Multiple employees have shared testimonials about how much they’ve saved under SmithRx, with some experiencing savings in the thousands of dollars.

Looking Ahead: A Lasting Partnership

For AgXplore, the decision to switch to SmithRx was not just about cutting costs—it was about providing better care for their employees.

“I truly feel like SmithRx is our partner,” Wellenstein said. “Before, I felt like we had run out of options. Now, we have a solution that actually works for us and our employees.”

Her advice to other HR leaders? “Be open to considering a change. Talk to your employees, listen to their frustrations, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Even if you think your current PBM is fine, it’s worth having a conversation with SmithRx—you might be surprised at how much you can save.”

With innovative savings programs that are flexible to the market shifts, AgXplore has achieved what once seemed impossible: lower pharmacy costs, better benefits, and a more satisfied workforce.