Report claims generics could save system $20B

Pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts released a report today which argues that the healthcare system could save $20 billion if healthcare providers switched to commonly available generic drugs instead of using more expensive brand name medicines. The company's Generic Drug Usage Report looks at costs for about 3 million people participating in its network across six drug classes, including NSAIDS, cholesterol fighting statins, GI drugs and antidepressants. Express Scripts estimates that the average generic costs $60 per month less than its brand name equivalent. The PBM says the lowest generic utilization rates are in New York and New Jersey. Massachusetts, Oregon and New Mexico lead the pack with the highest levels of generic usage.

- see this executive summary from Express Scripts
- see this study (pdf)
- see this article from the AP