New exchange plan enrollees during the first quarter of 2015 spent less on medications than new enrollees during the same time frame 1 year ago
The latest Express Scripts Exchange Pulse Report indicates that new exchange plan enrollees during the first quarter of 2015 spent less on medications than new enrollees during the same time frame 1 year ago—the number of individuals who used at least 1 prescription medication decreased by 18%.
However when examining exchange plan medication trends on a larger scale between March 31, 2014, and March 31, 2015, researchers found this trend to be a positive one. Spending on high-cost specialty medication increased 24% as compared to an 8% growth in traditional health plans.
"While it is encouraging to see data that suggests healthier Americans are enrolling in exchange plans, the research reminds us that many of these patients use this benefit to manage serious, chronic illnesses," Julie Huppert, vice president of healthcare reform at Express Scripts, said in a statement. "Exchange plans have an opportunity to make medications more affordable and accessible by more closely managing the benefit, encouraging the use of home delivery pharmacy and other proven clinical pharmacy programs, which can help boost medication adherence and foster better disease management."
The 15-month analysis that compiled more than 100 million de-identified pharmacy claims also discovered other notable trends, including:
Ms Huppert added that these findings may indicate a new shift in exchange plan trends where more, healthier Americans who use fewer prescription medications will engage in these programs, which can “help the plans achieve a more balanced risk pool.”
Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity: Urban Health Outreach
May 9th 2024In the series debut episode of "Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity," Mary Sligh, CRNP, and Chelsea Chappars, of Allegheny Health Network, explain how the Urban Health Outreach program aims to improve health equity for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Listen
Decitabine, Venetoclax Combo Boosts Survival in Patients With AML and MDS
May 16th 2024Study findings demonstrate that combining decitabine with venetoclax enhances molecular response rates in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), correlating strongly with improved clinical outcomes and overall survival.
Read More