As HR professionals, you strive to provide employees with the best benefits possible. Employer-sponsored health insurance is a crucial part of that, but for many employees, it’s simply not enough when it comes to affording necessary medications. Rising costs, high deductibles, and limited formularies often leave employees struggling to access the prescriptions they need to stay healthy. When employees face financial barriers to their healthcare, their well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction are all impacted.

A 2025 report highlights that 28% of U.S. adults face difficulty affording prescription medications, and 31% reported skipping or altering their medication regimen in the past year because of cost concerns.

Identifying the Gaps in Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Even the most thoughtfully designed health plans can leave employees vulnerable to high medication costs. Here are some common challenges they face:

• High Deductibles and Copays - Many plans require employees to meet a high deductible before coverage begins, leading to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
• Limited Formularies - When certain medications aren't covered, employees may have to pay the full cost or forgo treatment altogether.
• Tiered Pricing and Prior Authorizations - Higher-tier medications come with steep copays, and prior authorizations can delay access to essential treatments.
• Specialty Drug Costs - Treatments for chronic and serious conditions like diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases can be prohibitively expensive, even with insurance.

How HR Can Bridge the Gap and Support Employees

As HR leaders, you have the power to make a meaningful difference in employees' lives by providing solutions that make medications more affordable and accessible. One effective approach is leveraging tools like myDrugCosts Enterprise, which helps employees identify cost-saving opportunities and navigate their prescription benefits with ease. Here’s how you can help:

• Provide Cost-Transparency Tools - Solutions like myDrugCosts Enterprise empower employees to compare prices, discover lower-cost alternatives, and make informed decisions about their prescriptions.
• Offer Financial Assistance Programs - Consider implementing medication reimbursement programs or contributing to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to ease the burden of high out-of-pocket costs.
• Optimize Pharmacy Benefits - Work with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to negotiate better pricing, expand formulary coverage, and ensure employees have access to affordable medications.
• Educate Employees on Cost-Saving Strategies - Many employees aren't aware of discount programs, patient assistance options, and mail-order pharmacies that can help them save. Providing this information can make a huge impact.

Why myDrugCosts Enterprise is a Valuable Addition to Employee Healthcare Benefits

myDrugCosts Enterprise is a user-friendly app that empowers employees to make informed, cost-effective healthcare decisions, easing financial and emotional stress for themselves or their loved ones

Key Features and Benefits (www.mydrugcosts.com/enterprise):

• Custom In-App Messaging - Tailor communications to specific health and wellness initiatives, such as highlighting diabetes management programs when relevant medications are searched.
• Timely Savings Reminders - Employees receive proactive notifications about cost-saving opportunities before their refill dates, helping them make informed choices
• Trusted Pharmacy Partnerships - Collaborations with award-winning pharmacies, including Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs and DiRx, provide employees with access to competitively priced medications.
• Incentives For Smart Savings - Employees are encouraged to engage in cost-saving behaviors through myDrugCosts' Ongoing Monthly Drug Savings Contest, rewarding proactive healthcare decisions.

Pricing From Real Claims Data:

ARIPiprazole (Mental Health):

• $59 before deductible
• $9 buying option found on myDrugCosts Enterprise

Abiraterone Acetate (Specialty Drug - Prostate Cancer):

• $1,468 after deductible
• $79 buying option found on myDrugCosts Enterprise

Why Investing in Employee Health Pays Off

Supporting employees in affording their medications isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also a sound business decision. Employees who can’t afford their prescriptions are more likely to experience health issues, leading to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher overall healthcare costs for your company. By integrating tools like myDrugCosts Enterprise, you can help employees take control of their prescription expenses while also improving workplace wellness and reducing long-term healthcare spending.

Ready to make a difference?
Go to www.mydrugcosts.com/enterprise to schedule a demo and learn how myDrugCosts Enterprise can transform your benefit program.