Denise Tucker Email and Phone Number

Analyze state and federal policy issues affecting access to innovative medicines and the broader healthcare marketplace. Develop policy options and recommendations to address emerging issues and work with business units and Government Affairs to implement policy positions. Draft policy position papers and coordinate internal and external input in support of Merck positions. Provide strategic input to product teams and business units on the impact of government policy and regulatory issues. Work with Government Affairs, Federal Policy, Integrated Accounts Management, and franchises to develop policy in support of new product launches.

Led contract analysis, financial forecasting, and development of strategic and tactical account plans for Merck's 4th and 5th largest PBMs (Prime Therapeutics and MedImpact). Developed bid recommendations and modeling to support profitable access across entire portfolio. Drafted and negotiated contract language to implement agreed upon formulary terms that support profitable market access, are compliant with Merck standards, and are able to be administered as efficiently as possible. Negotiated resolutions to contractual disputes in consultation with Customer Contract Management and Legal. Developed customer point of view models that enabled account teams to support value proposition of Merck products in Exchanges, Managed Medicaid, and Medicare D.

Analyzed implications and provided strategic recommendations in response to healthcare reform and other significant trends in the healthcare environment on Merck's US Commercial organization. Served as a core member in the development of 5 year strategy. Supported Federal Policy and State Government Affairs in shaping Market Access and Medicare Part D policies. Assessed legislative proposals and analyzed implications to inform financial modeling used to inform senior leaders of risks and opportunities to the business. Presented to stakeholders throughout the organization on healthcare trends and implications for the US market to support critical strategic decisions including annual budget and long range planning.

Responsible for supporting Medicare Part D business by working with National Account Executives, HMO/PBM Customer Managers, and Brand Marketing to drive growth in the Medicare Part D segment. Analyzed performance of Merck products in Medicare Part D segment to inform product planning and to evaluate contract performance. Assessed changes in legislative and regulatory changes to the Medicare Part D program to inform product forecasting and Managed Care contracting strategies.

Developed, coordinated, and monitored reimbursement strategies for Merck products. Developed and executed reimbursement strategies for all early development products including to obtain optimal coverage and reimbursement. Advised Marketing teams, Government Affairs, and Merck's Washington office of emerging reimbursement changes that impacted Merck's business, Merck customers, or the diagnostic and monitoring services/tecnologies used in Merck key therapeutic categories.

Served as internal resource on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement methodologies and CMS regulations impacting diagnosis and treatement of diseases relevant to Merck products. Provided technical and strategic support as it relates to reimbursement to internal and external customers. Managed the Carve Out Patient Assistance Programs for Merck infectious disease products.

Assured contract compliance within key accounts for clinical labaratory with an 8% share of the $30-$35B medical testing market. Implemented national contracts across 17 business units; conducted on site audits at each business unit to ensure contracts were implemented correctly; and participated in joint work groups with client relationships. Acted as business lead on all Information Technology projects affecting managed care accounts.