Many of the most-read articles from the print issues of Managed Healthcare Executive® focused on the cost of therapies.
Governments are the only buyers so far, and the amounts they are paying varies.
Screening and some care have been canceled or deferred. Will more illness and deaths result?
Low prices and some gaming of regulations can drive out competitors and create monopolies that allow generic makers to jack up their prices. Experience has shown that it often takes multiple generics to achieve the promised-for downward pressure on prices.
PBMs say exclusions are important for negotiating lower prices on behalf of health plans and members. Some payer and provider groups say they interfere with patient access to medicines.
Having specialty pharmacies fill prescriptions may lower costs, but critics of the practice see safety issues and other drawbacks.