For the last four years prices for prescription drugs increased very much faster than the fees for other medical supplies and services, according to a report from the Government.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the "usual and routine" (U / C) index prices for 100 commonly used best drugs annual average of 6.6% in 2006 for the first quarter of 2010, compared with an average annual increase of 3.8% for medical products and services.
The report contains 55 mark and 45 generic drugs with data on the use of the prescription of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal employee program (BCBS EFF), a large, nationwide, insurance covers almost 5 million people.
The increase compared to the first quarter of 2009 was 5.9% in the first quarter of 2010 less than the increase in the past 2 years, but more in 2006. In 2009, prescription drug expenditure was 250 billion dollars, of which 31% was spent by the Government.
The GAO report came to the conclusion that the index has increased the price u & c for the 55 brand name drugs on an annual average of 8.3% in the period of four years. On the other hand, the u and C price for generics 45 but was index to average 2.6% per year.
Travel consumers use between generic and versions of the same drug were brand drugs, selected by active substance included in the analysis, increased the price u & c 2.6% per year.
The report shows that the prices for 100 drugs measured with prices except u & c also during the period of four years, but a little slower than the rate of 6.6% for the u and the price index (c).
Using the formula for not - U & C, the price index for the average wholesale price (AWP) to 6.0% per annum, while producer prices is average (AMP) on average increased by 5.3% per year.
"This report reminds us that it is an area where we should look for savings for taxpayers and beneficiaries," Democratic Republic. Pete Stark, a senior officer of the House of nature and manner of the Subcommittee on health, said told of Reuters.
Some media have suggested that increased the price of prescription medicines, can debate, to the adoption of patient safety and affordable care Act (PPACA) continue in one in March 2010 compared to other years.
Sources in the pharmaceutical research and manufacturers of America have not immediately responded to a request for comments.