May/June 2011

Recognizing the health and economic burden associated with obesity to evaluate options and identify strategies.

The major impact on price trend was double-digit price increases in top brand drugs, offset by price erosion for both old and new generics.

This is the second of a 2-part series on the development of the essential health benefit package prescribed under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Adherence was examined among patients taking medications, individually and in combinations, to treat hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and/or diabetes.

Incentive formularies with varying cost sharing led to modestly lower overall spending, with savings for plan sponsors offset by increased out-of-pocket spending.

Medication reconciliation between the inpatient and outpatient settings might be possible through the pharmacy benefit management platform.

By focusing on primary healthcare, community health centers keep down healthcare costs for all consumers, taxpayers, and governments.