Prescriptions:
a double-edged sword
Benefits
grow—but so does cost
Thanks to the continuing development
of—and new uses for—prescription drugs, people are able to live longer, manage
illnesses better and sometimes avoid invasive medical treatments or hospitalizations.
That's the good news.
The bad news? The cost of drugs in the United States continues to rise.
The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid estimate that by the year 2014,
spending on prescription drugs will account for 14.5 percent of U.S.
national health care expenditures.
That's up from 9.9 percent in 2000.
More about prescriptions
For more information about prescription drugs, log on to www.BoeingWellness.com.
This Boeing- Mayo Clinic Web site provides a wealth of information
on prescriptions and a variety of
other health-related topics. |
This issue affects everyone, including Boeing.
At Boeing, the cost of prescriptions
for employees in 2003 was more
than $505 million—a rise of $45 million
from 2002.
"The company and employees need to work together to address rising drug
costs. You can help slow the growth of future cost increases by asking
about alternatives," said Pam French, director of Global Employee Benefits
(see story below).
Working with plans and providers
"The company's philosophy is that our
health plans should cover those medications that are medically necessary
and
effective for our people as determined by
the medical experts," French said. "However, national data shows that some doctors
are not following the latest clinical guidelines on the type, amount or duration
of prescriptions, or talking with their patients about different drug choices,
including generics."
In response, Boeing is working with its health plans to improve the
way the plans interact with doctors and pharmacists. How our health plans
manage the delivery of prescriptions drugs may result in more appropriate
and cost-effective care for Boeing people. For example, in certain situations,
an over-the-counter medication might be the first place to begin treatment
before trying more expensive
alternatives.
The health plans also can help monitor whether doctors are following
the
right steps for appropriate, cost-effective
treatment.
The power of asking questions
You and your family have an important
voice in what your doctor prescribes for your medical treatment.
In addition to asking about potential side effects, possible
interactions with other medicines or foods, and proper use, you
should also ask:
Is there a generic (non-brand name)
version of this drug available?
Typically, generic alternatives are the least expensive form of drug.
They usually cost 30 to 70 percent less because the patent has expired
and they are available from multiple sources. When generic drugs
are manufactured by more than one company, competition tends to keep
costs lower. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible
for ensuring that generics are safe and effective. Check with your
doctor or pharmacist regarding your
generic drug options.
Is this drug on my medical plan's formulary?
A formulary is the
medical plan's list of preferred drugs based on safety, effectiveness
and cost standards. As new drugs and clinical studies are released,
the formulary is updated. You can find out which prescription drugs
are
on your plan's formulary by visiting the plan's
web site or calling the plan's customer-service number (often listed on your
medical plan
ID card). Additional information is available
on the "Your Benefits Resources" Web site, which is accessible via TotalAccess
on the
Boeing Intranet. (Many health plans also cover "nonformulary" drugs, but at a
higher out-of-pocket
cost.)
Is there a more efficient dose for me?
Sometimes there may be a
more convenient treatment option that will be just as effective and
cost less. For example, one of Boeing's
top 25 drugs by cost is Nexium—the "purple
pill" that treats acid reflux disease, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux
disease). In
many cases, a prescription for two 20-milligram doses per day may be replaced
with a prescription
for one 40-milligram dose per day—saving almost $300 for a 90-day supply and
reducing the number of pills you have to take each day. Whenever you need a prescription,
ask your
doctor about your dose options.
Can this be filled through a prescription-by-mail
service?
Going
to a retail pharmacy is fine for single-event or occasional prescriptions.
But if you need to take the same medication regularly, a mail service
program can help save time and
money. By using your medical plan's prescription-by-mail service, you can usually
get up to a 90-day supply of long-term or "maintenance" medications for much
less
than at the corner drug store. |
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