Helios: Prescription Cost per Claim in 2014 Increased for first Time in a Decade

Despite a decreased use of opioids among injured workers, the average cost of prescription drugs per workers’ compensation claim increased last year for the first time in more than a decade, according to a report released Thursday by pharmacy benefit manager Helios. The primary driver of the trend appears to be inflation in the average wholesale price of generic medications. Generic medication prices had a 10% inflation rate last year, compared with a 0.7% rate the prior year, Helios said. The inflation was primarily driven by some of the most commonly-used generics in workers&rsqu...