These comments refer to the data presented in the Market Intelligence tables (link at the top of this page). Greater detail on individual health plan drug pricing for drug treatment modalities associated with each condition may be found in the large tables indexed across the tabs on the top of each city site within this Study.

The Future For Healthcare

The CARxE Price Transparency Study tracks prices and values with key market indices and insights for the Medicare prescription benefit [MedicareRx]. It is a study of price changes – not of health conditions or treatment modalities – and provides plan and drug pricing information prospectively from the Study baseline in March 2006.

Based on other markets, there is an expectation that when consumers have better access to information about prices and values, their purchasing power will reshape the healthcare market. Pricing changes may, of course, be due to a number of factors, including increased market competition, market positioning, market intelligence, and political influences, as well as consumer access to better information. But, the prospect is that this Study will be an important proof-source for the value of transparency in the healthcare market.

This web delivered Study monitors monthly and year-to-date changes for key pricing measures related to MedicareRx coverage. The Study reports prescription drug costs in 24 United States cities for typical drug bundles prescribed to treat 9 common health conditions affecting seniors. A profile was added for the 19 drugs most often prescribed for seniors [referred to as "Most Frequent"]. The 9 common health conditions are Alzheimer's, allergy, asthma, cholesterol, depression, diabetes, GERD, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

As used in this Study, "pricing" refers to the total out-of-pocket [OOP] cost for an enrollee, including [a] drug plan premium, [b] deductible, and [c] drug co-payments. The source data for these cost figures is Medicare.

Information about market pricing and changes in pricing over time help educate the consumer market about the value of price transparency for managing healthcare costs. Consumers can use this information to better manage their medicine cabinet, save money, and determine which plan will work best for them.

CARxE's goal is to educate all stakeholders in the healthcare system and to provide simple tools that make healthcare market information useful – so that information best serves the interests of everyone who touches it.

Data for 2007 plans begins with November 2006, and data contained in this Transparency Study starting in November, 2006 reflect costs related to 2007 MedicareRx plans. The last update of 2006 data by CMS was made in October 2006.