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.
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.
There’s no question that our healthcare system is broken. Where there is disagreement is in how to fix it. Current proposals being considered by the Congress do little to address the out-of-pocket spending requirements and insurance company access restrictions that impose the biggest burdens on patients. Failing to address these issues would be a huge missed opportunity.
“Millions of patients most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 are not only feeling left behind in 2020, but are facing more intense health and economic challenges as policymakers and regulators make one poor policy decision after another.”…
“The United States needs to take serious action to lower drug prices and expand access for patients, and it should start by listening to them. Unfortunately, the Trump administration recently put forth a proposal that fails to listen to patients’ concerns and will actually do more harm than good.” …