Ever higher list prices for the medications Americans take to get and stay healthy are frequently in the news, but Express Scripts research has found that members are paying less at the pharmacy counter.
“In an era of inflation and rising health care costs, we’re proud to share that Express Scripts is fulfilling our mission to lower the cost of prescription drugs for the more than 100 million Americans we serve,” said Adam Kautzner, president of Express Scripts. “As highlighted by our 2022 data, we have continued to generate savings for consumers by combining our purchasing power with our innovative suite of cost-saving solutions.”
Express Scripts patients are paying less of the total cost of their medicines
Over the past five years, Express Scripts' year-over-year change in member cost sharing has remained relatively flat despite inflation increasing tenfold over that period.
About three in four Express Scripts members – 73% – spent less than $100 out of pocket for their medicines in 2022. On average, members paid $14.49 for a 30-day prescription.
This translates to pennies on the dollar when compared to average wholesale prices. For example, treatments for inflammatory conditions – which represented nearly 25% of total drug spend across Express Scripts’ commercial book of business in 2022 – had an average wholesale price of $494.30 for a one-month supply. Across Express Scripts, however, the average out of pocket was $43.28 – less than 10% of the total cost.