METHODS: This study evaluated the impact of an online tool that provided a personal assessment of cost-saving opportunities based on the member's prescription benefit plan and history. Best-value opportunities were based on the cost savings to the member and were presented in order from highest to lowest value. They included opportunities to convert from brand to generic and retail to mail, with explanation of complicated concepts in easy-to-understand terms.

The study group comprised of 27,850 adult members who used the online tool during April 2006 to evaluate these opportunities. An equal number of controls were identified; control group members were similar to the study group in age, gender, severity of illness and medication history, but did not use the tool at any time during the study. Members of both groups used the web during April 2006 to manage their maintenance medication prescriptions. Their pharmacy activity was monitored for 180 days before and after that period. Each group's collective claim history had approximately 100,000 savings opportunities.

Conversion rates were defined as the proportion of members of each group who filled a prescription for a lower-cost drug or channel within 180 days of using the online tool or visiting the website. A logistic regression model was used to determine the impact of the tool in selecting a lower-cost alternative, adjusting for age, gender and severity of illness. Interaction terms were also considered.

RESULTS: Members who used the online tool were 58% more likely to convert than members who did not (p<0.001). At the opportunity level, the study group converted 64% more savings opportunities than the control group (p<0.001). Conversions produced a median savings of $142 per member.

No significant associations were observed between the use of the online tool and age group (p= 0.9167) or severity of illness (p=0.0680). However, males were more likely to convert after using the decision tool than females (p = 0.0076).

CONCLUSION: Members are more likely to make cost-effective decisions with their prescription medications when presented with a consumer decision aid that is easy to understand and defines clear saving opportunities. Such consumer tools may be useful in supporting consumer healthcare decisions.