MEMBERS INITIAL EXPERIENCE WITH A CONSUMER-DRIVEN PHARMACY BENEFIT PLAN DESIGN
Author(s)
Erin L Gams, MPH, Health Outcomes Analyst, Kwan Y Lee, PhD, Director Health Outcomes, Suzanne M Watkins, PharmD, MBA, Regional Clinical Manager, Maureen T Harte-O'Reilly, BS, Senior Account Manager, Client Services, Anis N Mehta, MBA, Project Manager, Strategic Program Development Walgreens Health Services, Deerfield, IL, USA
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the overall experience of members enrolled in Consumer Choice Pharmacy (CCP). CCP is an innovative three-level prescription benefit plan based on consumer-driven models (Level 1: Pharmacy account; Level 2: Employee Responsibility; Level 3: Traditional Coinsurance). The goal of this program is to assist members in making more informed personal pharmacy decisions, while contributing to the plan sponsors cost-containment efforts. METHODS: In April 2005, a survey was mailed to all member households of an employer group enrolled in CCP to assess knowledge, perception, satisfaction, and overall experience with the plan. Response frequencies and means were calculated. Statistical differences in responses based on member characteristics and pharmacy utilization were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 925 surveys were mailed. Of these, 100 (11%) were returned. Respondents and non-respondents had similar demographic characteristics, but were different in terms of pharmacy utilization and spending, with respondents having both higher utilization and spending. Respondents indicated the potential to save money was the most influential factor in their decision to enroll in the plan. A large proportion of respondents had a good (30%), very good (29%), or excellent (10%) understanding of CCP. Seventy-eight percent indicated that CCP met or exceeded their expectations. Most respondents indicated their overall experience was good (38%), very good (13%), or excellent (24%) and were satisfied (52%) or very satisfied (27%) with the plan. Respondents with greater than three claims per month were less satisfied (p=0.004) than those with three or fewer claims per month. Fifty-three percent would recommend the plan to others. There were no significant differences in overall responses based on whether or not respondents had money remaining in their pharmacy accounts. CONCLUSIONS: Survey results show that respondents generally have a clear understanding of CCP and are satisfied with the program.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2006-05, ISPOR 2006, Philadelphia, PA
Value in Health, Vol. 9, No.3 (May/June 2006)
Code
PHP2
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Pricing Policy & Schemes
Disease
Multiple Diseases