Employer perspectives of HMO prescription drug benefits

A survey of employers was undertaken to ascertain the potential role of the prescription drug component in HMO marketing strategies. The study focused on (1) the importance of the drug component in making a HMO attractive to employers and (2) employer evaluations of selected features of HMO drug programs pertaining to: sources of supply, copayment amounts, and quality assurance/cost containment initiatives. While not unimportant to employers, the prescription drug component was of relatively less importance than some other medical services (e.g., outpatient medical, hospital). Employers did perceive differences among alternative features of HMO drug programs.