PCMA: Mail-service pharmacies drive generic utilization

WASHINGTON — An organization representing the nation's pharmacy benefit managers said that mail-service pharmacies are increasing the use of generic medications.

The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association issued a statement on Tuesday claiming that mail-service pharmacies leverage generic opportunities for savings, adding that there is no marked difference in the generic dispensing rate between mail-service pharmacy and retail pharmacy.

"The Federal Trade Commission and Harvard University both found that mail-service pharmacies practice generic substitution — substituting equivalent generics for brands whenever possible — more frequently than retail pharmacies," PCMA said. "Generic prescriptions are also less costly when obtained through mail-service pharmacies, according to research from the FTC and the Government Accountability Office."