Consumer responses to a pharmacy benefit report card

J Health Care Finance. 2004 Fall;31(1):55-72.

Abstract

As pharmacy benefits become an increasingly important component of rising health care costs, report cards critically need to be developed to inform consumers about the availability of their medications, what these medications cost them, and additional pharmacy benefit services that can enhance the management of their disease. This study is a preliminary step for developing such a card and assessing its impact on health plan enrollment choices in a small employee sample. Findings indicate that while individuals generally had positive comments about the pharmacy benefit report card, the card had little effect on their health plan enrollment decisions. The higher the prescription use reported by individuals, more likely they were to report that the card influenced their health plan enrollment decisions. The pharmacy benefit report card could be an useful tool for specific populations such as those with an increased need for medication.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Information Services*
  • Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services*
  • Male
  • United States