As prescription drug spending continues to rise in the United economy , along with prices for new and well - established drugs , insurers , employers and patients are looking for ways to cut costs . A new study conducted by UC Berkeley researchers found that a technique called premium pricing is effective at encouraging consumers to spend significantly less on prescription drugs by choosing cheaper drugs over name brand names .
As prescription drug spending continues to rise in the United States, along with prices for new and well-established drugs, insurers, employers and patients are searching for ways to cut costs. A new study led by UC Berkeley researchers found that a policy called reference pricing is effective at encouraging patients to spend significantly less on prescription drugs by choosing cheaper drugs over name brand options.