What was the initial approach to prescription drug coverage in health plans?

The initial approach to prescription drug coverage in health plans typically involved limited or no coverage for prescription medications. This means that for a significant portion of health plan history, prescription drugs were not included as part of standard health coverage. Many early health plans focused primarily on hospital care and physician services, believing that preventive measures and acute care were the top priorities. As a result, prescription medications often required out-of-pocket payment by patients, which made access to necessary medications more difficult for many individuals.

The evolution of prescription drug coverage occurred as awareness of the importance of pharmacological treatments in the management of chronic conditions and overall health increased. Over time, health plans began to recognize the value of including prescription drug coverage as a means to improve health outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs. The shift towards better prescription coverage reflects a broader trend to enhance the comprehensiveness of health insurance offerings.