That means generic drugs will have an even more promising spot on health plan preferred lists known as formularies.

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Pricing leadership from Novartis would give its products choice placement on formularies, and speed the demise of drugs that can no longer compete.

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Companies are increasingly implementing strict formularies, said Medicare statistician Benjamin Washington.

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The Vermont law prohibited pharmacies from selling prescribing information to marketers, but not to researchers or organizations that examine whether doctors are complying with formularies or cost-control rules.

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Psaty suggests that limits on direct-to-consumer advertising might help, as might the power of formularies, the lists of approved medicines that insurers and hospitals use to help control costs and, sometimes, to ensure safety.

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It requires a sophisticated ability to navigate these various programs, and so reaching out and asking for help, savings can be there for people if they have someone who understands the prescription drug formularies, the language, who can provide the guidance that people need.

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