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September 21, 2002
Provost Nancy Cantor and EVP/CFO Robert Kasdin have charged
the Prescription Drug Work Group 2002 to identify a broad
spectrum of solutions that will balance patient needs with
the escalating cost to the University of providing prescription
drug coverage in University health plans. The Work Group
is to provide some attractive options, plus the pros and
cons of each, for the University of Michigan Executive Officers
to consider. The most meritorious options will then be presented
to the University community for full discussion and analysis.
Further,
it is critical that any recommendations address the need
to maintain the University's commitment to a quality prescription
drug program. The prescription drug program is an important
part of our health plans, which are, in turn, an essential
tool in recruitment and retention of University faculty
and staff. The Work Group should consider that the University
is unique in being both a provider and risk-bearing health
maintenance organization.
In
developing future options, the Work Group should utilize
opinion-gathering mechanisms that reach out to the University
community and seek to understand their needs and interests.
Any options should be sensitive to the complicated set of
needs of University units involved with prescription drugs,
although these may not be the driving factor in making recommendations.
The
Work Group should use expert consultants to frame questions,
analyze University trends in cost and member use, and compare
best practices of the private sector even though those approaches
may not be the best fit for the University community.
The
Work Group should report its findings to Provost Cantor
and EVP/CFO Kasdin by January 30, 2001. |
