Assessment of generic drug discount programs offered by large chain pharmacies in the United States

摘要

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare various Generic Drug Discount Programs (GDDPs) offered by large chain pharmacies in the United States to understand similarities and differences within them. Data collected included questions such as whether the pharmacy offered any GDDP, discounted amount, total number of generic drugs and drug classes included in the GDDP, and whether the discounted amount was differentiated by the term‘insured’ or‘uninsured’. Comparison of GDDPs was conducted by matching drugs covered under each GDDP with top-100 generics consumed in the United States in 2007. Of the 37 pharmacies evaluated, 22 offered GDDPs. GDDP offered by Pathmark pharmacy contributed the highest number of top- 100 drugs both in dollar amounts and in number of units sold. In conclusion, more than half of the large chain pharmacies in the United States offered some form of GDDPs, which were different across pharmacies. These GDDPs offered consumers an option to reduce their health-care costs. Most programs varied by number of drugs covered, days' supply, enrollment requirements and the discounted amounts for generic drugs.