Reports From the Field: Plan knowledge affects how consumers look at cost of drugs
Consumers’ drug-buying behavior may be based on how much they know about their personal health care coverage, a Harris Interactive survey reveals.
According to the survey, consumers with low levels of knowledge about their coverage appear to be less price-sensitive when they fill prescriptions, while those who more thoroughly understand their health coverage are more concerned with price.
The survey showed that more than a third of consumers said they didn’t know how their copays were structured.
Only 16% reported that they almost always or often ask their physicians whether the medications are covered by their insurance. Only 4% had changed their prescription plan because a specific drug was not covered.
When presented with the option of a cheaper drug, nearly 60% chose to stay with the more expensive drug. Of those consumers who chose the cheaper drug, 98% said they would change for a price difference of $10 or less.
Consumers drug-buying behavior may be based on how much they know about their personal health care coverage, a Harris Interactive survey reveals.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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