The population of Americans who spend more than $50,000 per year on prescription drugs grew 63% in 2014, largely driven by hepatitis C and cancer therapies, according to an Express Scripts report.
The population of Americans who spend more than $50,000 per year on prescription drugs grew 63% in 2014, largely driven by hepatitis C and cancer therapies, according to a report from Express Scripts.
The number of patients in the analysis receiving medication treatment for hepatitis C jumped 733% in 2014.
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Dr StettinThese figures further support the need for a national dialog about fair and sustainable drug pricing in the United States, according to Glen Stettin, MD, Express Scripts senior vice president, clinical, research and new solutions.
“The profile emerging from this research shows these patients are overwhelmingly taking specialty medications, and have multiple comorbidities, prescriptions and prescribers,” said Glen Stettin, MD, senior vice president, clinical, research and new solutions, at Express Scripts. “These insights highlight clear opportunities for payers to work with their PBM to improve care, quality of life and health outcomes for the patients who rely on these costly, complex therapies.”
The report also found:
NEXT: Recommendations for formulary managers
The analysis examined de-identified prescription drug claims of 31.5 million insured Americans between 2013 and 2014. The research included beneficiaries with pharmacy coverage through commercial insurers, Medicare and Medicaid.
Related:States blame hep C cases for increased opioid abuse
Based on this report Dr Stettin offers 3 recommendations for formulary managers:
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