INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

NEW YORK — More than 80% of health plans would require a drug manufacturer to demonstrate a clear clinical benefit compared with current branded and generic treatments in order for its drug to be placed in the plan's formulary, according to a new survey.

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Ninety-five percent of consumers are interested in products that come with rebates, while 80% of consumers actively seek out rebates, according to an annual consumer survey by rebate provider Parago.

The survey found that consumer preference for rebates versus instant discounts is growing. And while economic recovery may be on its way by the numbers, consumer sentiments around spending are still timid.

NEW YORK — A recent Nielsen survey revealed that in-store behaviors exhibited by U.S. smartphone owners who use their devices while shopping vary by store type.

Nielsen found that such behaviors as mobile couponing (either using or requesting a coupon) were most popular at grocery stores (41% of mobile shoppers reported using coupons there), department stores (41%) and clothing stores (39%), compared with other retail outlets — such as electronic stores, mass merchandisers, office supply stores, convenience stores, furniture stores and dollar stores.

ATLANTA — Asthma is having a growing effect on the country's health, according to a new study.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its "Asthma's Impact on the Nation" report Wednesday, based on data gathered using the "Asthma Call-back Survey" of people with the disease. An estimated 29.1 million American adults, or 12.7% of the total, have been diagnosed with asthma in their lifetimes, while 18.7 million, or 8.2%, still had asthma in 2010.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The number of prescriptions being sent electronically jumped by 75% between 2010 and 2011, while almost all of the retail pharmacies in the country are connected for e-prescribing, according to a new report by the country's largest e-prescribing network.

ALBANY, N.Y. — With state-led Medicaid redesign and federal healthcare delivery reform under way in New York state, the demand for nurse practitioners, physicians assistants and other healthcare professionals is anticipated to continue to increase, according to a recent report by the Healthcare Association of New York State, which is a statewide hospital and continuing care association.

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. — A "live help" feature, detailed information about products and services, and access to personal account information are the three most important features consumers expect to find at a company's website, according to an annual survey by Oracle.

NEW YORK — New research that will appear in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Marketing Research explores consumer sentiment over the extension of a premium brand outside of its typical category.