From Manufacturer to Patient: Why is the Cost of Prescription Drugs So Darn High?

In 2015, estimates of drug spend in the United States was about $457 billion and could be as high as $610 billion by 2021. The reasons for the continued escalating costs of prescription drugs are unclear. In this course we will examine the complex chain of discounts, rebates and markups that impact the price of a prescription drug from the manufacturer’s list price to the time it is dispensed to the patient. We will examine the role of major stakeholders in the drug supply chain including the manufacturer, wholesalers and distributors, pharmacy benefit managers and health plans. PHP 0310, Healthcare in the United States, is a prerequisite. Students who feel they have adequate background and understanding of health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid and model of care delivery and financing but have not taken PHP 0310 should contact instructor for override.