Paradoxical effects of cost reduction measures in managed care systems for treatment of severe psoriasis.

Background: Insurance companies vary widely in their coverage policies for severe psoriasis therapies. Unfortunately, coverage policies for psoriasis therapies do not necessarily follow current treatment paradigms, such that more expensive second or third line treatments may be more easily obtained than first line treatments.

Methods: We reviewed insurance policy bulletins, statements of coverage/medical necessity, and prior authorization forms for three large insurance carriers regarding psoriasis treatment with biologic agents and phototherapy.

Would elimination of copayments for phototherapy decrease the cost of treating psoriasis with systemic biologics? A cost analysis.

Phototherapy is a proven treatment method for the treatment of psoriasis, yet is typically underutilized because of the frequency of physician visits and copayments required for each session (typically 2-5 treatments/wk). Injectable biologic therapies are effective but costly. The objective of this study was to explore how changes in copayment strategies for phototherapy may affect biologic usage.