Policies to reform the ability of benefit managers to profit from medication list prices and rectify misaligned incentives that lead to increased patient costs are critical to address their predatory role in our health system. Without action to advance proposals that would help patients better access the medicines they need, patients in Illinois and across the country will continue to be subject to pharmacy benefit managers’ “profit over patients” model. In the new year, Congress must act on reform.
Administration Must End Prescription Drug Insurance Scheme
If the administration does not act, patients nationwide will continue to be subject to schemes that lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for the medications they need, risking medical debt or facing treatment delays and lack of adherence. To protect patients, essential health benefits drugs must be rightfully treated with the gravity that their name implies—medications that are “essential” to a healthy life for patients.
A Trump era health care rule is breaking the law—and harming patients
Among Americans who take prescription drugs, a quarter struggle to afford their medication. For those who are in poor health or have low incomes, the portion is even higher. These days, the rising cost of everyday goods and services is forcing more people to face difficult decisions and ask themselves: How can I pay for utilities, the groceries, or the medicine that’s keeping me alive? Now imagine that someone offers you financial assistance for the express purpose of paying for your medicine—problem apparently solved. But in a cruel twist, your health insurer pockets that assistance, without counting it toward your annual deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. That’s why the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, the Diabetes Leadership Council, and the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition filed suit in federal court, challenging the Trump-era federal government rule that allows insurers and pharmacy benefit managers to carry out this harmful practice.
Biden administration misses big chance to reduce prescription drug costs
President Biden has repeatedly promised to make health care more affordable. And his administration has taken some important steps. But sadly, officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services just passed up an opportunity to save patients millions at the pharmacy.
We must make drugs more affordable: Patients going without meds can hike costs for the entire health care system
Falling ill in America is becoming increasingly unaffordable in a health care system that punishes the patient. Insurance companies and middlemen have taken away protections against health care discrimination and crushing out of pocket costs for people with complex and chronic conditions. Not only does this increase costs across the health care system, it also deters efforts to improve health equity and patient outcomes.