Obstacles greet discount drug plan

Article Abstract:

Reader's Digest and Merck-Medco's discount program for prescription drugs was launched amidst skepticism from patient advocates. The program, which entails an annual membership fee ranging from $25 to $40, entitles consumers to discounts averaging from 11% to 40%. However, several issues threaten to run the program afoul of consumer protection laws. These include state regulations regarding discount card firms and the requirement that discount companies should have a state insurance license.

Drugs, Reader's Digest Association Inc.

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Prescription drug cost costs jump 10%

Article Abstract:

A study shows that prescription drug prices increased by an average of 9.6% in 1999. The increase in drug prices were attributed to inflation and the introduction of more expensive drugs. The study coincides with calls for greater oversight of the pharmaceutical industry and as Congress considers the inclusion of a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. Total drug expenditures increased 17.% in 1999 while the price of an average prescription was $46.77. With the exclusion of new drugs, the price of prescriptions increased 5.4%.

Consumer prices

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New program touts use of generic drugs

Article Abstract:

Generic-drug manufacturers are offering free samples to docttors. The program, called Generics First, will be backed by promotional office visits from pharmacists and support from several large employers including General Motors. The program will be financially backed by generic-drug companies and Merck-Medco, one of the largest pharmacy benefit management companies in the US. The objective of the two-year program is to reach a maximum of 15,000 doctors.

Generic Drugs

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