Health plans support use of mail order, generics

According to a recent study of health plan sponsors conducted by ReedHaldyMcIntosh for Medco's Systemed Group, 90% of respondents currently use strategies that encourage the use of mail order and 38% have rules that require it. The study also found that nearly 70% of respondents believe stronger incentive programs, including those that require or encourage the use of generics, will have the greatest impact on controlling plan costs. Virtually every plan sponsor (98%) currently employs methods that encourage the use of generic and plan-preferred brands. The research firm polled 200 plan sponsors with 1,000 to 15,000 employees, including private- and public-sector employers and labor unions.

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