Pharmacy benefits account for approximately 15% of an employer's overall health care costs and is one of the fastest growing cost components of a $1.6 trillion health industry. Prescription drugs are vital to preventing and treating illness and helping to avoid more costly medical problems. The rising costs for prescription drugs highlights the need for a better understanding of the pharmaceutical market and the need for better approaches to address rising costs, particularly in the areas of generic and specialty drugs. Offering affordable benefits will enable you to attract and retain quality employees. With the rising costs of health care, particularly in the area of prescription drugs, the question any employer who offers health benefits must ask is "What strategies can I implement to maintain or even lower my prescription drug costs in 2013 and beyond?"