Provide names of other journalists involved.
none
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
19-Oct-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The story looked at how pharmaceutical companies are driving up health care costs by offering drug coupons that apply only to the co-pay. This drives consumers to branded versions of drugs for which generics exist, which leaves the insurer to pick up the rest, paying sometimes tenfold or more for the drug that is equally effective as the cheaper one.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Examination of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Records. Requests for information from GlaxoSmithKline.
Explain types of human sources used.
Representatives from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Caroilna, North Carolina Medical Society, GlaxoSmithKline
Results:
An increase in drugs on the list that insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield looks at
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
none
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Get in touch with the health insurer first to see if they have a list that requires pre-approval. Then cross reference those drugs with those for which major drug companies offer coupons for. Any match and you know it’s a problem.