2001 Drug Utilization Management Conference

The dates for the 2001 conference are set. Come to Scottsdale, Arizona from April 2 through April 4 and learn the latest about drug utilization management. Listen to your peers and other industry experts discuss their experience managing prescription drug benefit plans. Over 200 plan sponsors attended the 2000 conference.

With the assistance of a plan sponsor advisory board (identified in the previous newsletter), we have developed a very informative agenda. Look for a copy of the agenda coming in the mail or visit our website to get more information. Take advantage of the early payment discounts by registering early.

2001 Prescription Drug Benefit Cost & Plan Design Survey

If we're mailing the Customer Satisfaction Survey Report, then it must be time to start our annual prescription drug benefit design survey. This survey collects information about the choices employers and other plan sponsors make when designing their benefit plan. The areas this survey touches on include drug exclusions, cost sharing, utilization management programs, and pharmacy reimbursement.

In previous years, PBMI asked the respondents whether (given the proper confidentiality safeguards) they would share summary-level utilization data. Most said yes. In addition to a number of other changes, this year's survey asks questions about overall cost and utilization. The intent behind these questions is to allow PBMI to look at the impact benefit design has on benefit cost and use. Knowing the potential impact of plan design choices on cost will help plan sponsors make better decisions.

Please contact PBMI if you want to be sure you participate in this survey. The survey will be sent by fax in October.