May 29, 2018 | Keeping Score
Most benefit managers recognize specialty drugs as the primary cost driver in their prescription drug benefit programs. However, when asked, they don’t know how much they are actually spending on specialty drugs within their medical benefit.
It really isn’t their fault, the TPAs and insurance companies aren’t very good at reporting it (which might cause you to question their ability to manage it). As such, little attention has been focused on the medical portion, even though it generally accounts for more than a third of plan spend on specialty drugs*.
How do your plan results compare? Let us know if you would like to better understand the specialty drug spend in your plan, and what you can do to manage it.
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May 24, 2018 | Commentary, Value-Based Drug Management
A bill allowing patients with serious illnesses to try unproven experimental treatments has been approved by Congress and is now on its way for signature by a supportive President.
For the sake of this discussion, let’s put aside some of the safety and ethical concerns. On the surface, everything may seem palatable from a plan sponsor perspective. But that’s until you start pondering some of the potential issues lurking beneath the surface. (more…)
May 17, 2018 | Legislative Updates
On May 10, 2018, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2018-30 to announce the inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high deductible health plans (HDHPs) for 2019. These limits include:
- The maximum HSA contribution limit;
- The minimum deductible amount for HDHPs; and
- The maximum out-of-pocket expense limit for HDHPs.
These limits vary based on whether an individual has self-only or family coverage under an HDHP.
The IRS limits for HSA contributions will increase for 2019. The HDHP maximum out-of-pocket limits will also increase for 2019. The HSA contribution limits will increase effective Jan. 1, 2019, while the HDHP limits will increase effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2019. (more…)
