Medicare Savings for Seizure Drugs by Adopting the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company Model

Background: Epilepsy is often a lifelong diagnosis, requiring pharmacologic management in most cases. Despite the chronicity of this disorder and management, there has been a rise in medication cost over the years. To address this issue, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) has come out as a more affordable option to obtain patients’ prescriptions. Focusing on epileptic medication, this study examines the potential cost saving benefit of MCCPDC compared to Medicare Part D plans.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional review identifying the price difference of anticonvulsants available on MCCPDC compared to the 2021 Medicare Part D spending data. Prices for both dispensing and shipping fees were recorded for the minimum quantity (30ct) and maximum quantity (90ct). We compared unit costs and total savings, and compared standardized unit prices for 30-day and 90-day periods between Medicare and MCCPDC drugs.

Results: Of the 16 anti-seizure medications shared between MCCPDC and Medicare, Medicare spending reached nearly $1 billion. Analyzing 30ct prescriptions, potential savings in 60% of drugs amounted to $172 million on MCCPDC, but the average cost was 14.85% higher than Medicare. For 90ct prescriptions, savings were $373 million in 80% of drugs, a 31.63% reduction compared to Medicare prices.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential savings with MCCPDC, especially among the 90ct medications, demonstrating that a cheaper alternative to chronic medications is possible if the pricing of MCCPDC is used in lieu of Medicare. We recommend that physicians educate patients on MCCPDC and their specific medications to find more accessible pricing. MCCPDC could alleviate financial burdens and enhance access to essential medications for patients, especially in the context of the increasing Medicare-enrolled population.