Drug spend represents 26% of total health care cost, yet 50% of people in the U.S. aren’t taking their drugs as prescribed.1
A HealthScape study found that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico engaged 29% more integrated pharmacy members than carved-out members.2
Medical costs were 9% lower for employers who carved in versus carved out pharmacy benefits.3
AsthmaNearly half of all asthma patients have at least one asthma attack annually.4 One key to better care and adherence to medication is being able to more holistically and individually understand patients’ concerns and barriers.
Across all markets, members with asthma cost 7 percent less when they have connected pharmacy benefits.5
Behavioral HealthMore than 1 in 4 adults struggle with a diagnosable mental disorder within a given year.6 Behavioral health varies widely, including conditions from depression (affecting nearly 10% of adults in the U.S.),7 to suicide (America’s eleventh leading cause of death), to serious and sometimes fatal eating disorders.8
These conditions can come at a cost to employers, especially over time. But a recent HealthScape study found that members with carved-in pharmacy benefits cost employers 5 percent less than carved-out members.9
Cardiovascular DiseaseCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, leading to an estimated 17.9 million lives lost each year.10 With so many factors connected to CVD, it demands a more holistic approach. Studies have shown, for example, that pharmacist-led interventions in cardiac rehabilitation significantly improved patient outcomes.11
HealthScape’s study found that connected pharmacy benefits led to more efficient medical spend and care management. Across cardiac conditions including hypertension, cholesterol, and congestive heart failure, integration showed 14 percent savings or an average of $887 per member per year.12
Chronic Kidney DiseaseChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults—an estimated 37 million Americans.13 And, as many as 9 in 10 adults who have CKD are not aware they have the disease. Early-stage kidney disease usually has no symptoms, and many people don’t know they have CKD until it is very advanced.14
This is why it’s so critical to connect benefits and engage with employees as often as possible. Members diagnosed with CKD experienced 21 percent savings when using carved-in pharmacy benefits.15
DiabetesCases of diabetes globally are projected to surpass one billion by 2050.16 Diabetes-related complications can escalate quickly to high-risk situations or life-threatening emergencies which can also result in higher medical costs. According to a report by the American Diabetes Association, the annual cost of diabetes is $412.9 Billion.17
In aggregate, members with diabetes diagnoses who had connected pharmacy benefits cost their employers 14 percent less, or an average of $737 per member per year savings.18
Liver DiseaseMore than 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver disease. Risk factors for liver disease include heavy alcohol use, obesity, type 2 diabetes, exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, and family history of liver disease.19
This is a complex condition and treatment can be costly. Across the HealthScape study population, groups that had connected benefits realized 36 percent savings, or $3,161 per member per year, among members diagnosed with liver disease.20
When employees are facing complex conditions, their pharmacy needs can also be complex. So, it’s important to look at the whole picture. We can help. Read our white paper on how integrating pharmacy and medical benefits together can be better for your employees and your business.
