The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc. has joined forces with 4D Pharmacy Management Systems, Inc., to administer employer group prescription drug benefits through its Live Better! Wellness Program.

Employer groups will have access to 4D's national network of over 60,000 pharmacies, along with special incentives at A&P's participating banner store Pharmacy Centers. The Live Better! Wellness Program will start managing pharmacy benefits on Jan. 1, 2009.

"We're committed to helping our customers improve their health by offering better diet choices and improved access to prescription drugs," said A&P senior director of pharmacy Carol J. DiNicolantonio, pointing out the partnership's "more advanced comprehensive services than those traditionally provided by [pharmacy benefits management systems]."

Added DiNicolantonio, "These enhanced offerings will emphasize healthy foods, products, and services."

Live Better! Wellness Program groups will be able to fill convenient mail service prescriptions through the A&P Mail Order Pharmacy. Plan members will also have the choice of receiving a 90-day supply of maintenance medications at A&P and subsidiary Pharmacy Centers. The Pharmacy Centers feature health screenings, complete diabetic supplies, and patient counseling and information service, among other offerings.

"Our totally transparent business model fits perfectly with bringing value, innovation and customer attentiveness to Live Better! Wellness Program groups," said Jeff Polter, v.p. of Troy, Mich.-based 4D. "We're preparing to launch group and broker marketing activities within the next few weeks."

The Live Better! Wellness Program provides discounts on generic drugs, over-the-counter products, and a broad variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and other fresh items, to promote a healthful lifestyle and diet.

"Being in the supermarket environment, we are able to interact with our customers even when they are not filling a prescription," noted DiNicolantonio. "We can also help them make the right food choices for themselves and their families and focus on preventative care."

Additionally, program pharmacists will pay on-site visits to employer groups to help with health and prescription drug education.

Montvale, N.J.-based A&P operates 447 stores in eight states and the District of Columbia under the A&P, Waldbaum's, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh and Food Basics banners.