Which of the following statements about therapeutic alternatives is accurate?

Therapeutic alternatives refer to different medications that serve the same purpose or address the same clinical condition, but may differ in their chemical structure or therapeutic class. The statement that they can cost up to 90% less than rebated products is accurate because therapeutic alternatives often include generics or less popular branded drugs that are priced lower than heavily marketed or preferred medications. This cost disparity can make them appealing options for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) seeking to control costs while still providing effective treatment options to patients.

This approach not only helps in managing healthcare expenses but also ensures that patients have access to effective treatments at potentially lower prices, enhancing the affordability of medications. Such alternatives can still maintain therapeutic efficacy while being less financially burdensome, which aligns well with the goals of cost-effective healthcare delivery.

The other options present inaccurate portrayals of therapeutic alternatives. They are not inherently more expensive than preferred drugs; many are actually lower in cost. Similarly, therapeutic alternatives can have equivalents on PBM lists, contradicting the idea that they have no equivalents. Lastly, while there may be instances where specific alternatives are not recommended, it is not a general truth that therapeutic alternatives are "not usually recommended"; in fact, they are promoted within pharmacy benefit frameworks to encourage cost