Midwest Business Group on Health Releases Annual Employer Survey on Specialty Pharmacy

Today the Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH) released the results of its fourth annual survey on specialty drug management finding employers are considering unconventional strategies to manage double-digit cost increases while shifting more cost to employees.

Although the vast majority of employers (88%) still rely on traditional plan designs (co-pays and coinsurance), many are ready to focus on new and novel approaches to managing specialty drugs costs.

Survey results indicate a significant number of employers (68%) are considering using a narrow network to manage patients, while less than 10% offer one. In addition, with 16% carving out their specialty drug benefit, 63% are considering moving towards this strategy. The biggest trend, however, is cost shifting. Over half of employers are considering shifting more costs to employees with 18% already doing so. In addition, 43% of the employers who shifted costs over the last three years, increased them by 50% in 2014.

Additional findings are included in the news release and supporting slides which can be found on MBGH’s website.