For answers, we talked to seven benefits insiders about what a CVS-Aetna might mean for the industry. Here’s what they said.
Only good for shareholders
No evidence of improved patient care
Higher premiums for employees?
Controlling costs shouldn’t be confused with lowering costs. For example, in the small group employer markets, premiums are regulated based on a minimum mandatory loss ratio. If there’s an economic incentive for the pharmacy provider to sell a more expensive drug, the health plan becomes a vehicle to do so. The health plan essentially dictates the choice drugs, down to the brand, with what is known as a formulary list. Consumers pick up an expensive prescription with a low copay and the plan pays the balance. But the cost of the more expensive drug is then passed back to the consumer with higher insurance premiums. The MMLR rules would allow the health plan to increase premium costs as long as the plan expenses have increased.” — David Reid, CEO and co-founder of EaseCentral, a San Francisco-based benefits technology company
A “defensive” play that won't reduce employee health costs
Often the public doesn’t realize it, but about 20-30% of every prescription dollar spent by employees and their employers goes to pad the pockets of the pharmacy benefit manager who keeps this large margin provided by the prescription manufacturers to steer employees to certain drugs through the carrier formularies. This is a huge source of profit and one of the reasons CVS is No. 7 on the Fortune 500 listing because their revenues and profits are so high.
Now, CVS Caremark and Aetna will be able to work more closely together to maximize these profits for their own company. There could be great synergies and cost reductions achieved through this merger but I wouldn’t hold my breath for this to happen. I think it is more about maximizing profits and positioning themselves defensively to retain maximum profitability. Sadly, this will not reduce healthcare costs for consumers.” — Suzy Johnson, president of Employee Benefit Advisors of the Carolinas and one of