HMOs block key brand-name medicines to make big bucks, report says

HMOs block key brand-name medicines to make big bucks, report says

HMOs are blocking patients from getting critical single-source drugs - like Lipitor and Celebrex - to boost company profits, a new report charges.

Single-source drugs are brand-name products with a unique chemical form that are sold by one manufacturer and have no less expensive generic equivalent.

BY WILLIAM SHERMAN
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Sunday, May 18th 2008, 4:00 AM

HMOs are blocking patients from getting critical single-source drugs - like Lipitor and Celebrex - to boost company profits, a new report charges.

Single-source drugs are brand-name products with a unique chemical form that are sold by one manufacturer and have no less expensive generic equivalent. More....