SPEC Database

The SPEC database is a new data resource developed with the goal of providing an empirical basis for understanding commercial payer specialty coverage. 

What is SPEC?

The Tufts Medical Center Specialty Drug Evidence and Coverage (SPEC) Database is a database of US commercial health plans’ coverage policies for specialty drugs.

What is the goal of this database?

Researchers at the Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health developed SPEC with the goal of quantifying commercial health plan behavior. Researchers can use SPEC to rapidly answer questions that might normally require a dedicated, stand-alone research study to address.

What is included in SPEC?

The SPEC Database features data on:

  • 17 of the largest US commercial health plan
  • 290+ specialty drugs
  • ~25,000 decisions (including historical decisions)
  • 175+ diseases, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rare diseases