Based upon interviews conducted from April through June 2003, key decision makers from 4 PBMs, 12 MCOs, and 3 large employers generally considered the introduction of an OTC statin as a low risk and a beneficial addition to drug therapy. Most believed that increased awareness would result in an initial increase in plan costs, but long-term savings would accrue through improved care and availability of lower-cost OTC options for low-to-moderate-risk patients. The key concern is how to help patients gain enough knowledge and comfort to manage their own cholesterol therapy safely and successfully.
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