Prescription drug savings cards given to patients may run afoul of payer policy

Article Overview

This practice management article discusses how prescription drug savings cards offered to patients are being viewed by insurers and pharmacy benefit arrangements. It explains the general policy tensions between patient discounts, tiered formulary strategies, home delivery and preferred pharmacy arrangements, and the uncertainty around whether payers can prohibit card use. The piece is relevant to physician practices, practice managers, and billing or reimbursement staff who need to understand how payer policies may affect patient access and pharmacy coordination.