The market dominance of government-based healthcare coverage in Puerto Rico is driving managed care organizations to cover more generic drugs as fewer residents can afford more expensive plans, according to a recent report released by Mass.-based healthcare industry analyst firm Decision Resources Group.
On June 28, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the HC Reform is largely constitutional, upholding the individual mandate provision. The individual mandate is the provision that requires Americans to maintain health coverage. While it is still uncertain if this provision would apply to Puerto Rico, or what impact it would have on the HC Reform come January 2013, we are certain that employers will continue to face challenging decisions regarding healthcare.
The Puerto Rico Pharmaceutical Industry Association is lobbying for giving island patients broader access to innovative drugs and treatments, and against the final decision being made by anyone other than the prescribing physician.