Issues 

Increasingly complex therapeutic options, inefficiencies in the translation of new evidence into medical practice, and questions of affordability all challenge our health care system.

Investing in worker health and, in the process, preventing disability and serious illness, can lead to both an increase in standards of living for employees and cost savings for employers.

The addition of a Medicare drug benefit (Part D) was an unprecedented change to Medicare and brought with it the opportunity for all beneficiaries to enroll in coverage for prescription drugs.  Part D has been less expensive than originally projected and beneficiaries have reported high levels of satisfaction with the program.  However, Part D and its effects are constantly under scrutiny and assessment.

Pharmaceuticals play an important role in achieving and maintaining good health. The development of new technologies by the pharmaceutical industry can help improve health outcomes and quality of life. Additionally, these advances sometimes have cost-saving benefits such as keeping patients out of the hospital. However, it takes a great deal of money to develop new drugs and it is important to understand the incentives for innovation and how these incentives may be affected by a variety of public policies.

Health insurance plans can be confusing, but it’s important to understand the benefits that are available. Decisions around health care, particularly when they involve money, are never easy. YourPharmacyBenefit.org provides information so people can choose the best coverage for them in terms of cost and access, and find suggestions for what to do when they experience problems getting the medications they need.