More Employers Covering Workers’ Trips Abroad for Cheaper Drugs

Mexico and the Cayman Islands may be the latest destination spots for buying specialty drugs at a fraction of what they cost in the U.S.

Spurring States’ Interest: A growing number of U.S. employers are sending workers abroad to save money on high-priced pharmaceuticals, such as AbbVie’s rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira. A “pharmacy tourism” program in Utah covers employees’ travel costs to Mexico and gives them $500 per trip to pick up a 90-day supply of a covered drug.

Word of Warning: Health insurance brokers involved in the programs say the foreign-bought drugs are the same as those approved for ...