UnitedHealth Eyes No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Certain Drugs; Other Large Payers May Follow Suit

UnitedHealth Group announced on July 15 that it would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for insulin and a few other medications for beneficiaries enrolled in fully insured plans. The managed care organization expects to implement the changes starting as early as Jan. 1, 2023, pending regulatory approval. 

Health and drug policy experts who spoke with AIS Health, a division of MMIT, applauded UnitedHealth’s decision, and noted it would benefit patients who struggle to pay for medications and increase adherence. They also said the move could help United financially, as members are more likely to stay out of the hospital and have better long-term health, but they said it could lead to higher premiums for employers and employees. UnitedHealth did not respond to AIS Health’s request for comment on how the company would foot the bill for implementing the zero cost-share policy.