Understanding Complex Terms

Our glossary is your go-to resource for demystifying complex terms in the PBM industry. Easily find and understand the definitions you need to navigate the world of Pharmacy Benefits Management.

Glossary (0)

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Benefit Design

The specific outline of coverage provided by insurance plans that dictates what is covered and what is not.

Brand Name Drugs

Drugs sold under a proprietary, trademark-protected name.

Co-Pay

The fixed amount a patient pays for a covered health care service, usually when receiving the service.

Copayment Assistance

Programs designed to help patients cover the cost of medications in terms of copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Coverage Gap

A period in a Medicare drug plan where there is a temporary limit on what the drug plan will cover for drugs.

Deductible

The amount you pay for covered health services before your insurance plan starts to pay.

Drug Tier

The categorization of prescription drugs on how much they cost within a particular drug benefit plan.

Formulary

A list of prescription drugs covered by a prescription drug plan or another insurance plan offering prescription drug benefits.

Generic Drugs

Drugs that are chemically identical to their branded counterparts but generally sell for lower prices.

Mail Order Pharmacy

A pharmacy service that offers the convenience of sending prescriptions directly to the patient's home.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

The maximum amount a consumer must pay out-of-pocket within a year for covered expenses under a health insurance plan.

PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager)

A PBM manages prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers, Medicare Part D drug plans, large employers, and other payers.

Pharmacoeconomics

The branch of health economics that assesses the cost and effects of pharmaceutical products.

Pharmacy Network

A network of pharmacies where prescriptions may be filled for members of a specific insurer or health plan.

Premium

The amount that must be paid for your health insurance or plan.

Prior Authorization

A requirement that a provider obtain approval from a health plan before it will cover a specific medication.

Rebate Management

The management of discounts or returns secured from pharmaceutical manufacturers which may or may not be shared with plan members.

Specialty Pharmacy

A pharmacy that dispenses high-cost and high-complexity medications used to treat rare, chronic, or complex conditions.

Step Therapy

A type of utilization control that requires a specific sequence of therapy before a drug will be covered.

Therapeutic Interchange

The practice of substituting a drug that is chemically different but therapeutically similar to the drug originally prescribed.

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