Watch: How pharmacy benefit managers influence drug pricing

This is Part 2 of “Behind the Counter,” an in-depth video series demystifying the complex world of patents and drug pricing.

The point of prescription drugs is to help people improve their quality of life. When a doctor writes a prescription and sends it along to the pharmacy, oftentimes they’re more focused on the drug’s effectiveness than its cost.

But when a patient picks up that drug, the price they will be asked to pay at the counter takes center stage — and it depends on a complex combination of factors. Is it a brand-name or a generic drug? Does the patient have health insurance? If so, does that insurance cover the drug?

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