While the prescription drug businesses at pharmacies has been relatively stable, front-of-the-store sales have been in decline. Giant retailers like Walmart Inc. are also looking to play a bigger role.

This year, price increases for personal health expenditures are projected to rise 2.2 percent, compared with 1.9 percent for overall inflation.

For care providers and other companies all along the pharmaceutical supply chain, this year's flu season has led to higher revenue from increasing hospital visits and drug sales.

Jackson Healthcare, a Georgia-based provider of health-care staffing and technology services, said on Tuesday that the former cabinet secretary and Georgia congressman had joined the companys advisory board.