Massachusetts Will Remain A Challenging Environment for Pharmaceutical Companies Due to State Generic Substitution Laws and Disallowance of Coupons
New England Health Plan Analysis Now Available from HealthLeaders-InterStudy
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that Massachusetts' generic substitution law and disallowance of prescription drug coupons will remain a challenge for pharmaceutical companies. According to the recent New England Health Plan Analysis, lawmakers have recently rebuffed pharma companies' efforts to allow the use of prescription drug coupons, leaving the state as the only one to disallow the practice.
The report finds that without coupons to offer as an option, pharma companies will need to be more aggressive in rebating to get to a preferred tier with the state's leading health plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan. Otherwise, pharma reps will have to sell the benefits of their drug versus their competition.
"As the state begins to put more focus on adherence to prescription drug regimens and better care coordination, pharma companies must sell doctors on the efficacy of their brand," states Ric Gross, senior market analyst with HealthLeaders-InterStudy. "Any drug proven to show better results, better adherence or a lower cost to administer and monitor, thus bending the cost curve, will gain favor with a prescriber. Drug reps will continue to find Massachusetts a tough environment to operate in when it comes to promoting brands."
Other topics highlighted in the recent New England Health Plan Analysis include:
- Medical home projects currently being undertaken by Maine and New Hampshire.
- Massachusetts' move towards narrow networks as a means to control costs of its health reform efforts.
- Rhode Island's changing Medicaid landscape with the departure of Blue Cross & Blue Shield from its program.
Why Pharmaceutical Company Managed Markets Teams Need Health Plan Analysis
Health Plan Analysis identifies key health plan trends, allowing pharmaceutical companies to create comprehensive strategic plans and sales strategies at state and local levels. Updated quarterly, Health Plan Analysis provides a detailed look at plan design and financials, as well as information about mergers, legislation and other influencers driving healthcare in a particular region.
About HealthLeaders-InterStudy
HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a Decision Resources, Inc. company, is the authoritative source for managed care data, analysis and news. For more information, please visit www.HL-ISY.com.
About Decision Resources, Inc.
Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at www.DecisionResourcesInc.com.
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SOURCE HealthLeaders-InterStudy
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