Often, the alternative is to reduce other benefits and even salaries as well in order to meet the health care costs. The end result is that all workers face the possibility of less income or fewer benefits in order to continue to make drug companies richer. These drugs are expected to account for more of the pharmacy benefit dollar than any other class of drugs by the end of 1999, according to Express Scripts. Antidepressant drugs are now the second most used class of drugs, just behind blood pressure controlling antihypertensive drugs like ACE inhibitors. The study also found usage growing for drugs that are marketed as ways to control high blood pressure, combat diabetes, lower cholesterol, treat digestive problems, and open sinuses.
Drug prices are higher across the board, too.
In 1997-98, prices for all but one of the nation's 50 most prescribed drugs increased, many several times and often by double digits. Express Scripts, Inc., Press Release, June 29, 1999.