Express Scripts announces launch of Inflammatory Conditions Care Value Program

Express Scripts last week announced the launch of its Inflammatory Conditions Care Value Program, an all-inclusive method of controlling costs and improving care for individuals who have inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn’s Disease.

The new program will better adjust a drug’s price to coincide with the value that the drug gives the patients. This will be done by combining indication-specific formulary management with refunds for patients who discontinue their therapy early.

"Painful inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cripple patients and obliterate payer budgets," Express Script SVP and CIO Dr. Glen Stettin said. "By finding creative ways to take better care of patients and protect our clients' budgets, Express Scripts is uniquely tackling one of the biggest health challenges facing our country today."

There are currently approximately 10 million Americans that are living with inflammatory conditions. The biologic medications used in treatment of these conditions was the most expensive therapy class in the United States in 2015, which made up 9.8 percent of the country’s pharmacy spending. Express Scripts has predicted a doubling of these numbers if the money spent on medications is left unrestricted.