The hidden problem with vital healthcare cost-cutter
Replacing staffers’ name-brand drugs with generic ones has been hailed as a proven way to lower the healthcare burden … until recently.
This cost-cutting tactic, also know as “step therapy,” may actually end up causing more pain than relief in the long run, according to recent study in a reputable medical journal.
Here’s why: Often times, workers will get a prescriptions for generic drugs only to find that the generic drug isn’t covered and/or it costs more than expected. In many of these cases, people will opt to leave their necessary prescriptions unfilled. The result: A greater number of trips to the hospital for these staffers — at your expense.
As for the workers that get these uncovered scripts filled? They’re paying $99 more each quarter than employees who don’t use “step therapy” — not exactly the best way to boost benefits satisfaction among staffers.
To prevent these problems, experts suggest making sure your plan’s doctors and physicians understand all step-therapy requirements, so you and your employees aren’t shocked by any unexpected — and costly — developments down the line.
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