Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | March 2016

Express Scripts: Promoting Prescription Drug Home Delivery (A) and (B)

by John Beshears

Abstract

The pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) sector processes prescription drug claims on behalf of companies that offer a prescription drug benefit to their employees. The case associated with this teaching note follows Bob Nease, chief scientist at Express Scripts, as he considers methods to promote home delivery of prescription drugs by mail—a process proven to lower prescription fill error rates, increase cost savings, and improve medication adherence. The teaching note explains how an instructor can use the case to lead a discussion regarding the use of behavioral economics ideas, especially the principles of choice architecture, to change the behavior of large groups of people at low cost.

Keywords: Pharmaceuticals; prescription drugs; pharmacy benefit manager; PBM; healthcare; Behavioral economics; choice architecture; active choice; Service Delivery; Decision Choices and Conditions; Consumer Behavior; Distribution Channels; Health Care and Treatment; Service Industry; Pharmaceutical Industry;

Language: English Format: Print 20 pages Purchase

Citation:

Beshears, John. "Express Scripts: Promoting Prescription Drug Home Delivery (A) and (B)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 916-047, March 2016.

About the Author

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John Beshears
Terrie F. and Bradley M. Bloom Associate Professor of Business Administration
Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

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