More employers are taking steps to encourage medication compliance as part of a growing focus on wellness initiatives designed to manage benefits costs.

Ninety-five percent of employers surveyed for a first-time study by the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) say they are taking some sort of action to address medication compliance.

Employers are often using their vendors to play a key role in analysis and intervention, with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and employee benefit consultants (EBCs) most often cited.

"Results of the survey are very consistent with broader trends we're seeing among large, self-insured employers," said Chuck Reynolds, principal of The Benfield Group, the firm NPC engaged to complete the research. "Employers believe they've just about reached the limit on what they can do with tactical benefit controls to manage costs, and are focusing more and more on wellness, prevention and effective management of diseases and conditions."

The NPC report, "Employer Medication Compliance Initiatives" is an initial study on employers' views and strategies on medication compliance. Medication compliance, sometimes referred to as medication adherence, is defined as a medicine treatment plan developed by an individual's health care provider, filling prescriptions, and taking medications as prescribed.

The survey determined 89 percent of employers acknowledge compliance's importance to employee health.

"It's well documented that people with chronic diseases who take their medications as prescribed are healthier and more productive," said NPC President Dan Leonard in a statement. "This report shows that employers are actively taking steps to encourage medication compliance to help improve the health and well-being of employees and their families."

Diabetes is a key focus of medication compliance initiatives, according to the report. Other conditions of focus include high cholesterol, blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

According to the NPC, employers believe that focused and more sophisticated interventions from vendors are the most effective, with the highest ratings coming from those focused on individuals with compliance issues and Value-Based Insurance Design, which enhances compliance by lowering out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions and may provide other means of support, such as disease management programs.

Instant Insights /

Medication compliance next trend to improve worker health

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