While the issue of increasing drug costs is complex, several options exist for public and private payers to improve patient outcomes while controlling the cost of pharmacy spending and overall health care costs. Pharmacy management can contribute to a more efficient plan and healthier population by streamlining the prescription process and promoting coordination of care across settings and providers. While there is a great deal to gain from proper pharmacy management, policymakers must weigh the need to maintain appropriate access, available resources, and any unintended adverse effects of pharmacy-related policy decisions.
This fact sheet includes information about pharmacy plan management strategies and potential policy issues associated with these strategies.
