Average Wholesale Price for Prescription Drugs: Is There a More Appropriate Pricing Mechanism?

Authors

Dawn Gencarelli, George Washington University

Document Type

Issue Brief

Publication Date

6-7-2002

Abstract

This paper defines the average wholesale price (AWP), an important benchmark for prescription drug pricing and reimbursement. The paper briefly explains the AWP's various uses in the pricing of prescription drugs, highlights some of the problems that have emerged as a result of the way it is reported and used, and explores some of the possibilities for reform. The paper also contains a glossary of commonly used terms, as well as an appendix that lists the state Medicaid reimbursement formulas.

Comments

Issue brief no. 775

Recommended Citation

Gencarelli, Dawn, "Average Wholesale Price for Prescription Drugs: Is There a More Appropriate Pricing Mechanism?" (2002). National Health Policy Forum. Paper 97.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/sphhs_centers_nhpf/97

Open Access

yes