Question

Use the Internet to research current events on healthcare reform. How will proposed healthcare reform impact insurance practices in the pharmacy?

Answer 1

Point-of-Sale Drug Discounts

Beginning in 2019, two health plans will be sharing the drug rebates that pharmaceutical companies give to them. They will be passing the rebates on to the plan members.

Federal Officials proposed a requirement for insurers to present a fixed percentage of their rebates and use it to reduce Part D patients' out of pocket prescription costs.

Insurers have expressed disagreement because while it might decrease healthcare costs for some, it might also increase cost of healthcare for those who don't use drugs. Also, it may increase the premium rates for consumers because insurers will not be able to have the funds (rebates from pharmaceuticals) that they usually retain to keep the premiums low and stable.