AMCP Launches Inaugural “Access, Affordability, and Outcomes: The Value of Managed Care Pharmacy” Report

Managed care pharmacy touches the lives of 300 million Americans on a day-to-day basis, though many remain unaware of the key role it plays in the health care industry. Over the years, AMCP has noticed a lack of literature clearly defining and explaining the fundamental concepts underpinning managed care pharmacy. With that in mind, we have launched our inaugural “Access, Affordability, and Outcomes: The Value of Managed Care Pharmacy” annual report. We hope that this document serves as a resource for those looking to better understand this often complex industry.  

But this report looks to do more than simply defining concepts, delving into why managed care pharmacy is so important. For example, prescription drug spending in the United States has risen drastically over the past few decades; this has left many without access to the care they desperately need. Managed care pharmacy plays a crucial role in increasing the availability of more cost-effective care for underserved and underrepresented communities around the United States.  

This report also describes how managed care pharmacy achieves important aims such as maintaining access to innovative yet expensive therapies that deliver life-changing benefits for patients. This resource discusses essential tools such as prior authorization, drug utilization, medication therapy management, and formulary design and management. These methods are key to improving clinical outcomes, ensuring the appropriate use of medications, and containing the rising costs of therapies.  

At AMCP, we believe that the launch of this report is timely. With the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ending in May, patients across the United States risk losing access to essential care administered by pharmacists. One of AMCP’s core missions has always been to educate the public on the value of managed care pharmacy. We hope that this report does its part, reaching the general public, health care practitioners, and legislators, and highlighting the value managed care pharmacy offers for millions of patients nationwide.

Susan A. Cantrell, MHL, RPh, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Published on Oct. 25, 2023