S
eeking to address rising prescription drug costs, UnitedHealthcare (UNH) said Tuesday that it will pass along some rebates that the big insurer receives from drug makers, a move that may provide relief to a small portion of consumers, but was also criticized for failing to address the larger problem of rising medicine prices.
Starting next year, the insurer will redirect a majority of rebates for around 7.5 million people, and expects to reduce costs from just a few dollars to more than $1,000 for each prescription. However, the initiative will not include an estimated 18.6 million consumers who are covered by so-called self-insured plans, in which employers pay for health care benefits.
Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT Plus today. Try it FREE for 30 days and cancel anytime!
SUBSCRIBE TODAYWhat is it?
STAT Plus is a premium subscription that delivers daily market-moving biopharma coverage and in-depth science reporting from a team with decades of industry experience.
What's included?
- Authoritative biopharma coverage and analysis, interviews with industry pioneers, policy analysis, and first looks at cutting edge laboratories and early stage research
- Subscriber-only networking events and panel discussions across the country
- Monthly subscriber-only live chats with our reporters and experts in the field
- Discounted tickets to industry events and early-bird access to industry reports
About the Author
Assuming Mr hill is correct in this – “The problem with the model is the vast majority of rebates are generated by a small number of beneficiaries taking expensive brand and specialty drugs. ” – would that explain why the PBMs have gotten less attention until now? This really only took off with EpiPen and Heather Bresch, as I remember.