Healthcare Trends: Prescription Costs, Access, & Technology

Key Points:

• Skyrocketing Drug Prices:

  • Nearly half of Americans have skipped filling prescriptions due to cost.

  • Millions are stopping medications altogether.

• The Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs):

  • PBMs negotiate drug prices, but their impact on consumer costs is often unclear.

  • Lack of transparency hinders understanding of pricing mechanisms.

• Drug Shortages:

  • A significant number of Americans have been affected by drug shortages.

  • Shortages can have serious health consequences, especially for those with chronic conditions.

• Potential Solutions:

  • Increased transparency from PBMs.

  • Technology-driven solutions like prescription marketplaces and AI-powered platforms.

  • Local partnerships between healthcare providers and insurers.

• Medication Safety:

  • The importance of accurate medication histories.

  • The role of technology in improving patient safety and care coordination.

• The Human Element:

  • The value of in-person interactions with pharmacists.

  • The need for equitable access to care in underserved communities.

Call to Action:

• Stay Informed: Learn about your medications and their costs.

• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

• Shop Around: Explore different pharmacies and online options.

• Advocate for Yourself: Contact your elected officials and support policies that promote affordable and accessible healthcare.

List of sources for this news summary:

Amid Retail Pharmacy Closures, 59% of Americans Fear Losing Easy Access to Essential Medications, Wolters Kluwer survey shows

Amid Retail Pharmacy Closures, 59% of Americans Fear Losing Easy Access to Essential Medications, Wolters Kluwer survey shows

CerpassRx Launches AI Engine Powered By Waltz Health to Deliver Real-Time Savings and Spend Management for Specialty Drugs

Gwinnett Clinic Partners with Ambetter Health to Launch a Bold Patient-Centric Health Insurance Plan on the Georgia Access Marketplace

Peek’s First-Ever “Prescription Marketplace” Helps Employers Revolutionize Their Prescription Benefits

Surescripts Expands Innovative Prescription Accuracy Technology, Delivering Greater Impact at Scale, Improving Patient Safety and Efficiency for Care Providers

Surescripts Powers Population Health and Value-Based Care With the Expansion of Enhanced Visibility into Patient Medication Histories for Health Plans