Health Affairs, 28, no. 2 (2009): 546-556 doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.2.546 © 2009 by Project HOPE	New Online   House Health Reform Bill   House Bill: Public Option   House Bill: Delivery Reform   Paying for Reform   Vetting AHIP's Report   Brief: Insurance Reform

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DataWatch

Patients’ Perceptions Of Generic Medications

Insurers and policymakers encourage the use of generic drugs to reduce costs, but generics remain underused. We conducted a national survey of commercially insured adults to evaluate their perceptions about generic drugs. Patients agreed that generics are less expensive and a better value than brand-name drugs, and are just as safe. However, although 56 percent reported that Americans should use more generics, only 37.6 percent prefer to take generics. We discuss perceptions about communicating with practitioners about generics, generic substitution, and policymakers’ role in influencing generic use. These findings underscore the challenge that providers, insurers, and policymakers face in stimulating the cost-effective use of medications.

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				K. Outterson and A. S. Kesselheim How Medicare Could Get Better Prices On Prescription Drugs Health Aff., September 1, 2009; 28(5): w832 - w841. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]