OptumRx, a pharmacy benefits management firm, one of the companies of UnitedHealth Group, plans to create at least 400 new jobs at its Tucson, Arizona facility over the next 12 to 18 months.

"We are strengthening the infrastructure of Optum Rx in advance of a major expansion early next year, and we especially appreciate the help and support that comes from the outstanding workers and leaders of Arizona in that effort," said Larry C. Renfro, executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group and CEO of Optum.

"I am pleased that Optum and UnitedHealth Group recognize Tucson's high-quality workforce and Arizona's excellent business climate," said Gov. Jan Brewer. "The hundreds of jobs Optum will create here over the coming months show that Arizona is a premier destination for the growth of innovative businesses such as Optum.

The company will be hiring for customer service advocates and a variety of positions involving training, workforce management and quality management. After an extensive renovation of its facility, the company expects the facility to be fully staffed by the end of next year to ensure OptumRx is prepared to serve millions of additional UnitedHealthcare employer and individual health plan participants, a spokesman for Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities said.

"The technology at this facility, along with the commitment and know-how of our employees here, will help us fulfill our mission of making the health care system work better for everybody," said Dirk McMahon, CEO of OptumRx. "An aging population and more people gaining access to health insurance mean more Americans will be using more prescription drugs, so the importance of our Tucson employees to our business will only increase."