PURPOSE HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are extensively used in treating hypercholesterolemia. The statins available in Malaysia include atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and fluvastatin. Over the years, they have accumulated in the National Drug Formulary; hence, the need for review. Effective selection of the best drugs to remain in the formulary can bec...

MANDATING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE Massachusetts was the first state to establish standards that apply to every resident, and it is the first to require that adults older than 18 years of age have a plan that mandates drug coverage.8 The minimum standards allow plans to charge an additional deductible for drugs of up to $250 for an individual. Many in the state’s health care community, includ...

OBJECTIVE The objective of this report is to provide, in detail, the evidentiary requirements contained in Version 2.0 of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy's (AMCP's) Format for Formulary Submissions and to elaborate on several key issues regarding the use of the Format that users, potential users, and pharmaceutical manufacturers have raised since AMCP published the first version of the gui...

BACKGROUND Advancements in biologics and personalized medicine and the implementation of national prescription drug policies have likely prompted payers to implement additional health technology assessment and cost-containment strategies. A payer's decision to provide coverage for a drug and its associated benefit design draws on information from many sources. However, there is an incomplete un...

In the present article, Budget Impact Analysis as an effective, practical financial tool has been introduced to the policy makers for improving drug formulary and reimbursement decision making. In Iran, Ministry of Health (MOH), health insurance organizations, and health care providers such as hospitals could take the most advantage of the BIAs reports.