Ex-Pharma sales rep takes new role to help educate doctors about drug costs

Doctors may not always realize the price of drugs before they prescribe them, because drug sales reps don’t necessarily highlight that information. And as drug costs continue to skyrocket, it’s important information for consumers. To reduce prescription drug costs for its members, the New York-based insurer, Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP), is doing things differently. The health plan hired former Big Pharma drug representatives to educate doctors about expensive prescriptions, the tactics of Big Pharma, and effective generic alternative drugs.

By educating doctors about big price increases set by pharmaceutical companies, the health plan is saving millions of dollars typically spent paying for prescriptions, resulting in smaller increases in member premiums each year.

Prescription drug prices have been skyrocketing in recent years. Take Glumetza, a medicine from Valent Pharmaceuticals that lowers blood sugar. The drug costs more than $81,000 a year, and by educating doctors about a generic alternative, the health plan saved more than $5 million.

Have you ever told your doctor that a prescription is just too expensive? Don’t hesitate if a generic alternative is available. Read more of our tips in our high prescription costs issue page. And share your own tips with Voices for Affordable Health on our Share Your Voice page.