Title
How do incentive-based formularies influence drug selection and spending for hypertension
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine; Meyers Primary Care Institute
Date
3-9-2004
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
*Deductibles and Coinsurance; *Formularies as Topic; Health Maintenance Organizations; Humans; Hypertension; *Motivation; United States
Disciplines
Health Services Research | Primary Care
Abstract
This study examined the association between incentive-based formularies and antihypertensive drug selection and spending. We compared the use of drugs from five drug classes by the number of tiers and copayment differentials. We found that raising copayments within a single-tier formulary system had a relatively modest impact on use of antihypertensives, compared with raising them in multi-tier systems. Likelihood of using ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers was lower among two-tier plans with generic/brand differentials of dollars 10 relative to flat-copayment plans. Incentive formularies were associated with lower total antihypertensive spending by plans, but enrollees paid more out of pocket.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Health Aff (Millwood). 2004 Jan-Feb;23(1):227-36.
