Introducing Cost Savings in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that places a significant financial strain on both patients and employer groups. Effective management of MS is crucial for maintaining health and quality of life. The high costs associated with MS medications, however, often present a considerable financial challenge. According to the National MS Society, for example, the annual economic burden of MS in the US — the cost to all of society, including individuals living with MS, government (federal, state and local), employers, health insurers and more — is $85.4 billion.

For the individual living with MS, that breaks down to an average financial burden of $88,487 per year.

MS treatments fall into the specialty drug category, frequently accounting for a substantial portion of specialty pharmacy drug expenditures for many groups. Recognizing the urgent need to alleviate the financial burden of MS treatments, we at SmithRx have embarked on a mission to offer members and employer groups a pathway to substantial savings on MS medication costs.

Connect 360: Revolutionizing MS Medication Accessibility

Together, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs (MCCPD) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provide access to the lowest-cost generic MS medications available on the market. These generic medications are sourced at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional pharmacies, enabling members to manage their MS effectively without the stress of financial hardship.

Our own partnership with MCCPD enables us to offer these medications via our Connect 360 savings program. This initiative ensures members can receive their medication at no cost, while employer groups enjoy upfront savings ranging from 72-99.8%.

Take, for example, Aubagio, a commonly prescribed MS medication. The generic version, Teriflunomide, typically lists at around $9,600 for a month's supply, and $6,690 from specialty pharmacies. Through our program, the same medication—same strength, same quantity—costs only $18.00 (including shipping) for a month's supply, representing an astounding 99.8% savings from the specialty pharmacy cost.

Need another? Consider the generic for Tecfidera, dimethyl fumarate, another widely-used MS drug. While the AWP lists over $8,800 for a typical month's supply, the cost through MCCPD is only $39.50. We encourage you to visit Cost Plus Drugs for the most up-to-date information and to discover the available generic MS medications.

Transparency and Affordability at the Core

At SmithRx, we differentiate ourselves not just by the affordability of the drugs we offer but by our proactive approach in ensuring patients can actually access these savings.

A prime example of our commitment to this mission is our success with Yusimry, a biosimilar medication used in treating autoimmune conditions. Unlike traditional PBMs that may list affordable medications without ensuring patient accessibility, SmithRx takes a hands-on approach. We don't just offer cheaper alternatives; we actively work to transition patients to these more cost-effective solutions. In this case, our efforts have led to substantial financial savings for our clients and their members, with more than $9.5 million saved in the autoimmune category alone over a six-month period.

This new partnership and program represent a significant step forward in making MS treatments more accessible and affordable, ensuring that managing Multiple Sclerosis is no longer synonymous with financial burden.