Pharmacy Benefit Trends

Abstract

This article discusses an annual survey, conducted by an independent national pharmacy benefit consultancy, that identifies trends and perspectives regarding the rising cost of pharmaceutical benefits, potential solutions for the cost increases, and the viability of available solutions. The 2003 Prescription Benefit Research Survey examined the perceptions of health care benefit thought leaders_those individuals managing programs for large corporations. Specifically, the survey sought to understand how these leaders view current trends and how they plan to promote the design of high-quality, cost-effective pharmacy benefit programs. The article provides an overview of the 2003 survey findings, including topics such as the anticipated increases in the cost of pharmacy benefit programs, possible reasons for cost increases, potential solutions to slow the increases, and whether the government should be involved in efforts to control costs.