Copay accumulators

Two years after Court victory, patients still saddled with unaffordable drug costs

Despite a major court victory nearing two years ago for patients’ ability to afford prescription drugs, the federal government has still not enforced the ruling by requiring insurers to count copay assistance towards patient cost-sharing. Although the Court gave the government the alternative to issue a new clarifying rule relating to drug manufacturer copay assistance and patient cost-sharing, no rule has been proposed two years after the government pledged to the Court and the public that it would.

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Eighty Advocacy Organizations Urge Labor Secretary to Close Harmful EHB Loophole

The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, along with more than 75 organizations representing patients, providers, and public health advocates, is urging U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer to issue a promised federal rule that would close a harmful loophole that allows insurers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and third-party vendors to exploit patient copay assistance programs for financial gain. In a letter sent today, the groups call on the Department of Labor (DOL) to address a gap in the enforcement of the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) provision of federal law—one that enables insurers, PBMs, and third-party vendors to designate certain covered drugs as “non-essential,” evading cost-sharing protections for patients.

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HIV+Hep welcomes new HHS Secretary

To deliver on the promise of eradicating HIV will require a commitment to science, properly funded public health treatment and prevention programs, and policies that support all populations impacted by HIV.  It will also require access to affordable and comprehensive health coverage, including private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare.

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HIV+Hep asks senators to inquire on HHS secretary nominee’s commitment to end HIV

The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, a leading national HIV and hepatitis policy organization promoting quality and affordable healthcare for people living with or at risk for HIV, hepatitis, and other serious and chronic health conditions, is urging senators to ensure that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, will uphold a commitment to science, public health, and ending HIV through robust research, treatment, and prevention programs.

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Biden-Harris administration urged to comply with court decision & require insurers to count copay assistance

“In the closing days of this administration they must do the right and very simple thing to help patients afford their prescription drugs—tell insurers that they must comply with the Court decision,” commented Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. “They have been disregarding the law for over a year, haven’t issued a promised new rule, and time is running out. They need to stop siding with the powerful insurers and their PBMs, and instead side with patients.”

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