Analysts Say Opaque Pricing Helps Drive Drug Cost Hikes With Chart: Per-Person Prescription Drug Spending Increases Steadily From 2014 to 2018
February
27
A new study estimates that payers and patients spent a combined 26% more per person on prescription drugs in 2018 compared with 2014, with price growth far outstripping increased demand in driving drug spending. Analysts say a lack of price transparency and resulting market inefficiencies are contributing to the price growth.
Payers and patients spent a combined average of $1,118 per person on prescription drugs in 2018, according to a study published by the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI). The study analyzed de-identified claims submitted to Aetna Inc., Humana Inc., Kaiser Permanente and UnitedHealthcare over the five-year period.
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