EBIS Search Results
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These executive summaries were compiled from EMPLOYEE BENEFITS INFOSOURCE database, a source for information on employee benefits and human resources.
Health Care Cost Control : Industry Approaches and Attitudes.
Natchek, Sally M.; vi, 57 pp 2009; book
Availability :
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
The International Foundation surveyed its members on the approaches their organizations are taking to contain health care costs and to assess the success of various initiatives. Respondents were also asked for their opinions on health care cost trends, cost-containment strategies and government reform efforts. Responses are organized by employment sector: corporations, public employers, multiemployer plans and professional service firms.
[0155469]
Employer Brings Simplicity to Specialty Pharmacy Benefits.
Bridgeford, Lydell C.; Employee Benefit News; v22 no14 pp 44, 46 Nov 2008; journal article
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International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
The University of Michigan's Keith Bruhnsen discussed strategies for handling specialty drug benefits at an Employee Benefit News benefits forum. The university spends $70 million annually on prescription drugs, carved out from the medical plan. They aim for the best drug prices and ensuring treatment compliance. Avoiding coverage duplication between medical and drug benefits is key, with cases requiring close therapy management best handled under medical benefits. Balancing cost sharing and assigning drugs to one of three tiers is challenging, since experience shows a $50 copayment becomes unmanageable. Specialty drug prices are forecast to rise at twice the rate of traditional drugs.
[0155245]
Five Pharmacy Benefits Trends Affecting Union Trusts and Plan Sponsors.
Solow, Brian K.; Benefits & Compensation Digest; v45 no11 pp 34-39 Nov 2008; journal article
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International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
Employers today are challenged with a range of issues affecting their pharmacy benefit programs. While some programs have proven successful at managing costs, new challenges are on the horizon. The goal for plan administrators must be to maintain and increase programs that control costs, while bringing greater value and satisfaction to plan members. To achieve cost saving and member satisfaction goals, benefits administrators should examine the needs of their plan, as well as the workplace and societal trends that will continue to affect their benefit design. There are specific steps administrators can take to develop an effective pharmacy benefit program.
[0155036]
An Ounce of Prevention.
Malley, John J.; Benefits Quarterly; v24 no4 pp 25-28 4th Qtr 2008; journal article
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International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
A growing number of companies are considering whether they can reduce overall medical costs by improving drug compliance through value-based pharmacy benefit designs. Value-based designs provide either more generous coverage for certain clinically proven drugs, or change cost-sharing or copayment levels for drugs used to treat the employee population’s most widespread and costly chronic medical problems.
[0154982]
Ouch! My Employees' Drug Therapy Costs How Much?
Jacobs, Michael S.; Benefits Quarterly; v24 no4 pp 16-24 4th Qtr 2008; journal article
Availability :
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Abstract :
Because most American citizens receive their health care through programs sponsored and financed by employers rather than through primarily government-based funding, health care programs are an investment in their employees from which employers expect a return. Many new therapies have been developed that treat smaller populations suffering from rare or previously untreatable diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, and treatments for various types of cancer. The costs of these pharmaceutical therapies can reach $2,000 per month or more, but the long-term benefits may take decades to assess; even increased survival or improvement of symptoms is uncertain in some newer oncology therapies. Prior authorization, step therapy, wellness programs, case management, drug compliance efforts, drug therapy rationing, transparency and cost-sharing techniques are steps employers can take to manage the availability of these high-cost therapies so their prescription drug plans continue to provide an acceptable return on investment.
[0154981]