CVS Caremark Report: Medication Non-Adherence in U.S. Costs Up to $290 Billion Annually
The U.S. healthcare system could save hundreds of millions of dollars if medication adherence rates improved, according to a new report from CVS Caremark.
In a press release published on June 27, executives at the Woonsocket, R.I.-based CVS Caremark announced the release of a report entitled “2012 State of the States: Adherence Report.” Drawing on data from the 2012 CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit management (PBM) book of business, the report projects potential cost savings within each state by examining medication adherence rates and the use of generic drugs across for common health conditions: diabetes hypertension, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), and depression. The potential cost savings among the states range from $19 million to $2.1 billion, the report finds, based on state member characteristics.
In addition, in looking at diverse market segments—health plans, employer-sponsored plans, and Medicare Part D plans—the report’s researchers find that medication non-adherence in the U.S. accounts for up to $290 billion in excess healthcare costs annually. In addition, the report notes, such interventions as pharmacist counseling are cost-effective, and contribute to improved adherence behavior among patients/consumers.
About the Author
Mark Hagland
Mark Hagland has been Editor-in-Chief since January 2010, and was a contributing editor for ten years prior to that. He has spent 30 years in healthcare publishing, covering every major area of healthcare policy, business, and strategic IT, for a wide variety of publications, as an editor, writer, and public speaker. He is the author of two books on healthcare policy and innovation, and has won numerous national awards for journalistic excellence.