Express Scripts has announced further cuts on a number of reimbursed drugs to make its formularies more clinically appropriate and cost effective. Currently, Express Scripts covers approximately 3,791 drugs and the 2017-2018 exclusions would remove 159 drugs out of coverage. According to Express Scripts, most patients will not see any changes but a small percentage of patients will start using different medications with the same therapeutic outcomes. If a medication is not part of the patient’s formulary, it would be covered only with prior authorization. Express Scripts claims that the exclusion will save approximately $2.5 billion to the payors. Further reading.