In a move that should have been great news for patients, Merck significantly reduced the price of its blockbuster diabetes drug, Januvia (sitagliptin). However, instead of benefiting from the savings, many insured patients are discovering that their insurance plans no longer cover it.
The culprit? Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)—powerful intermediaries that negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurance companies—have removed Januvia from their formularies. Those same powerful intermediaries are the latest in the hot seat for their predatory behavior in the United States health system. PBMs have been found to make coverage decisions based on their financial incentives rather than patient access to affordable medication.
The culprit? Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)—powerful intermediaries that negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurance companies—have removed Januvia from their formularies. Those same powerful intermediaries are the latest in the hot seat for their predatory behavior in the United States health system. PBMs have been found to make coverage decisions based on their financial incentives rather than patient access to affordable medication.
Merck Lowered the Price of Januvia—Insurers Dropped It from Formularies | PharmacyChecker.com
Ask PharmacyChecker: Q: Merck Lowered the Price of Januvia—Insurers Dropped It from Formularies A: In a move that should have been great news for patients, Merck significantly reduced the price of its blockbuster diabetes drug, Januvia (sitagliptin). However, instead of benefiting from the...
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