California Wholesale Acquisition Cost Increases for Rx Drugs

A report from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development examined the 3-year median percent increase in the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for prescription drugs from 2017 through the first quarter of 2019.

Overall, the median WAC was 25.8%, corresponding to an 8% annual increase, while inflation rose only 2% annually during the same period. The least expensive drugs (costing less than $100) had the highest 3-year median WAC increases, at 37.6%. Drugs with a WAC from $100 to $1,000 to 10,000 increased 25.8%, while drugs with a WAC over $10,000 increased 23.3%. Generic drugs costing less than $100 had a 3-year median WAC increase of 156.4%.

Source: OSHPD, Prescription Drug Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) Increases