Specialty drug spend made up 41% of all drug spend ($318 billion) for the United States and European countries in 2017(1). New projections show specialty drugs will contribute to ALL of 2018 total drug spend growth due to a combination of explosive pharmacy trend in the specialty drug arena as well as declines in traditional…
1) What are opioid medications? Opioids are medications prescribed to relieve physical pain. Opioid medications bind to the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions, driving up levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain’s reward areas, and producing intense feelings of euphoria. As the brain becomes used to the feelings, it…
Those who abuse prescription opioids are 40% more likely to use heroin than those who don’t. The United States consumes 80% of the world’s prescription painkiller supply, despite not even making up 5% of the world’s population. It’s possible to die the first time you use cocaine, consumption quadruples the risk of sudden death. An…
October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which focuses on increasing awareness and highlights the importance of early detection. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women with 40,000 deaths related to breast cancer in 2016. However, millions of women are surviving and thriving with breast cancer when found and treated early….
On the 10th anniversary of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW), the national voice for payers that manage behavioral health insurance benefits for over 175 million people, and its member companies today declared continued support for, and further commitment…
Parity Progress Ten years ago today, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) was passed into law. This ground-breaking legislation required health plans to treat mental health and substance use conditions like physical medical conditions without treatment or financial limitations. For more than 40 years, Magellan has wholeheartedly…
In today’s complex healthcare environment, we continue to see a dynamic shift in managing complex chronic conditions with life-saving drugs. This introduces additional challenges for employers and their employees, especially in terms of access and affordability. With the evolution of prescription benefit management, it’s a critical best practice for employers to plan today for tomorrow’s…
Many people who die by suicide leave loved ones behind who suffer from a range of painful emotions. When it happens to someone you know Losing a loved one to suicide can be overwhelmingly painful for family members and friends. Unlike a death that occurs naturally from old age or illness, a death by suicide…
Common warning signs for suicide include: Making suicidal statements. Being preoccupied with death in conversation, writing, or drawing. Giving away belongings. Withdrawing from friends and family. Having aggressive or hostile behavior. It is extremely important that you take all threats of suicide seriously and seek immediate treatment for your child or teenager. If you are…