Which of the following terms refers to the mid-tier drug pricing level?

Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) refers to the mid-tier drug pricing level, as it represents the list price at which wholesalers purchase drugs from manufacturers, without taking into account discounts or rebates. It serves as a benchmark for pricing in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing for the assessment of drug costs relative to other pricing points in the supply chain.

In the context of drug pricing, WAC is an important term because it helps in understanding the starting point for drug pricing before negotiations and discounts occur. It is not the final price that pharmacies or providers pay, but rather a foundational figure used by various entities, including insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, to gauge cost structures.

Average Wholesale Price (AWP) is often cited as a benchmark as well, but it typically reflects a higher price point and includes markups that can lead to inflated cost appearances in the market.

Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) play a different role, primarily focused on aggregating purchasing power to obtain better prices on medications and supplies for providers, rather than representing a pricing level.

Discounted Drug Rate refers to specific price reductions negotiated either through federal programs or other contracts, rather than a universally acknowledged mid-tier pricing standard.

Thus, Wholesale Acquisition Cost is accurately identified as the term that corresponds