Citing the concern that eventually 15 million patients at an annual cost of $150 billion of a new class of cholesterol medications, CVS Health warned that the cost of these new medications could overwhelm the U.S. health care system "if rigid cost control mechanisms are not put in place".

According to Reuters, CVS negotiates drug pricing for 65 million through contracts with employers and health plans.

The concerns around cholesterol medications are closely following criticism regarding the new Hepatitis C drugs, which may cost up to approximately $94,500 for a course of treatment. But unlike Hep C drugs which are effective with one course of treatment, the new cholesterol medications are essentially taken for life and significant annual financial implications for patients undergoing treatment and employers and plans covering the cost of that treatment.

Express Scripts also voiced concerns although their cost estimates are somewhat lower than CVS estimates.

Learn more about specialty pharmaceutical management on a February 26 webinar and in-person at a 1/2 day workshop in Franklin, TN on April 1. Email Cristie at [email protected] for more information and registration details.

Read the Reuters article.