2021 Managed Healthcare Executive® Pharmacy Survey: Biggest Driver in Specialty Drugs, Contract Changes Between Plan Sponsors and PBMs

Publication
Slideshow
MHE PublicationMHE June 2021
Volume 31
Issue 6

In this part four series, participants give their opinions on the biggest driver of specialty drug expenditures this year and what the most significant change in contracts between plan sponsors and PBMs could be in the near future. MHE's annual pharmacy survey had over 225 respondents. We will be posting the results over the next few days.

In this portion of MHE's survey, respondents answered a couple more questions about specialty drug spending and what is likely to be the most significant change in contracts between plan sponsors and PBMs in the near future.

Related: 2021 Managed Healthcare Executive® Pharmacy Survey: Most Effective Ways to Reduce Pharmaceutical Costs

First, when asked about what will be the biggest driver of specialty drug expenditures in 2021, the majority (26%) of respondents said the biggest driver will be the shift from traditional to specialty medications for treatment of common diseases. Another driver that ranked closely below, (23%) is growing demand because of an aging population with multiple chronic conditions. Seventeen percent of respondents said COVID-19 dynamics affecting specialty drug prescribing and patient utilization would be another driver. Following, 15% each said orphan drug approvals by the FDA and price increases by manufacturers would also be drivers. Lastly, only 5% believed limited number of biosimilars on the market would be the biggest driver of specialty drug expenditures this year.

In the following slide, participants were asked which of the following changes would likely be most significant in contracts between plan sponsors and PBMs in the near future. Most respondents (29%) said a decreased emphasis on rebate guarantees and a shift toward lowest net-cost formularies would be a more likely change. Other respondents (20%) said the change in contract would include a greater emphasis on transparency, while 18% responded that a greater emphasis on financial penalties for operational execution could be a change in contracts between the two. Eighteen percent said an increased demand for pass-through rebates and network pharmacy pricing could be a change between sponsors and PBMs and 13% believe there could be more emphasis on trend and cost-based guarantees and shared savings contracts. Lastly, only 2% believe a full-risk capitation could be the most likely change in these contracts.

Just over 225 people responded to our online survey between April 5 and May 10.

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