CVS Health, which manages the prescription drug benefits of 65 million Americans, says that its spending on medicines increased just 5% in 2015. That compares to an 11.8% increase seen by the firm in 2014.
It’s not clear to what degree CVS’ experience will be mirrored by the rest of the U.S. drug market. But the data appear to run counter to assertions that prescription drug spending, now a major campaign issue, is running out of control. 5% growth is still a lot–particularly since it occurs every year–but it is not nearly as frightening as the double-digit growth seen in 2014.
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