Prescription Drug Use and Spending Report

Overview

CHIA’s prescription drug use and spending report provides users with insights into the drivers of prescription drug spending as well as the associated conditions these drugs treat. This report seeks to advance transparency in the prescription drug sector for policymakers, researchers, and the public. 

For this analysis, CHIA used commercial pharmacy claims from the agency’s Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database (MA APCD) to identify high-expenditure drugs between 2022-2024. The data does not account for prescription drug rebates, which impact net health plan spending.    

 

Report Materials (July 2026)
Executive Summary (PDF) Dataset (Excel) Technical Appendix (PDF)

Key Findings

The increase in overall commercial prescription drug expenditures was largely driven by an increase in the average cost per prescription. 

Immunosuppressants, a class of drugs that inhibit immune system activity and are used to treat autoimmune diseases, and Hormones & Synthetic Substances, a class of drugs taken to alter or mimic hormone levels and function, accounted for the largest portion of prescription drug spending and were also the top contributors to overall spending growth. 

The most frequently prescribed drugs (i.e., highest volume) during the 3-year period were atorvastatin calcium and lisinopril, both Cardiovascular Agents.  

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Commercial Prescription Drug Use & Spending, 2022-2024

Published July 2026

Previous Publications

Recommended Links

Annual Report

Statewide THCE totaled $83.3 billion or $11,663 per person in 2024, a 5.7% increase from 2023, according to CHIA's latest Annual Report on the Performance of the Massachusetts Health Care System.

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Special Report: Drivers of Commercial Prescription Drug Spending, 2018-2022

There are two main drivers of changes in prescription drug spending—cost and utilization. From 2018 to 2022, overall prescription drug spending growth was driven by higher costs rather than greater utilization.

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Prescription Drug Rebate Data Submission

Find submission requirements and instructions for reporting prescription drug rebate data to CHIA, including deadlines, templates, and technical specifications.

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