Which of the following is a common technique to control pharmacy costs?

Offering mail service for medication deliveries is a common technique to control pharmacy costs. This method allows for greater convenience and often utilizes lower-cost options for medications, which can result in savings for both the employer and the employees. Mail-order pharmacies typically have negotiated rates with manufacturers and may encourage the use of maintenance medications for chronic conditions, which can further reduce costs associated with frequent refills at retail pharmacies.

Moreover, mail service can lead to better adherence to medication regimens, as patients are more likely to stay on their prescribed therapies without the barrier of trips to a pharmacy. This not only contains costs by preventing complications from non-adherence but also enhances health outcomes.

In contrast, unrestricted access to all medications can lead to higher costs due to overutilization or the choice of expensive brand-name drugs when cheaper alternatives are available. Promoting branded drugs over generics would likely increase costs significantly, as generics typically represent a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing efficacy. Finally, while using multiple pharmacy networks may provide access benefits, it can complicate the management of benefits and might drive costs up rather than controlling them effectively.