Drug costs, opioid prescriptions fall for some

Four states currently have drug formularies.

Texas adopted a drug formulary in 2011. The total number of prescriptions for “not recommended” drugs in the state decreased by 85% and the generic substitution rate increased to 89%, according to a 2016 report published by the Texas Department of Insurance.

Ohio adopted a drug formulary in 2011. There was a 29% reduction in opioid prescriptions in 2014 compared with 2010, according to the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation.

Washington adopted a formulary in 2004. The state’s prescription drug costs were 40% lower than the median, in comparison with 17 other states studied by the Workers Compensation Research Institute, according to the 2014 report.

Oklahoma has adopted a closed drug formulary in 2014 via the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission.