Employer Perspectives on Alternative Funding Programs
AUTHORS
James Motyka PharmD and Kimberly Westrich MA, of the National Pharmaceutical Council and Laura Huff BA of Gallagher Research and Insights
Overview
Alternative funding programs (AFPs) often controversially tap into other sources (e.g., advocacy groups, foundations, or grants) to pay for patients’ medication costs. A national web-based survey of US employer drug benefit decision-makers was fielded in February 2023 to evaluate employer perspectives. Survey responses indicated that the tension between trying to control pharmacy costs while still offering patients access to medications may fuel employer interest in AFPs, but most employers have not implemented programs and understanding of AFPs is limited. Most survey respondents took a neutral stance on AFPs but recognized that aspects like diverting resources from under-insured patients can be problematic.
