As the Oregon legislature considers modifications to SB 844, we write to express our support for proposed legislative recommendations including enhancing transparency around the use of copay accumulators, copay maximizers, and alternative funding programs. In recent years, insurers and their PBMs have implemented harmful policies that shift financial responsibilities for prescription costs to patients by not applying copayment assistance from drug manufacturers and sometimes charitable organizations.
Comments to Washington Prescription Drug Affordability Board on HIV treatment and cost of care
While patients currently have access to free or affordable HIV medications through various avenues, we are concerned that setting an arbitrarily low price for these treatments could negatively impact future drug development and reduce manufacturers’ willingness to continue providing medications to millions of people in underdeveloped and underserved nations. It is essential that manufacturers have the necessary incentives to invest in research and development, enabling the creation of longer-acting treatments, preventive drugs, vaccines, and potentially even a cure for the virus. Overlooking the impact of current assistance programs on HIV treatment affordability, as well as mandating alternative drug options, disregards the nuances of HIV care and the unique requirements of each patient.
Oppose domestic HIV programs cuts of over $541 million in Labor HHS approps. bill
There are currently over 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States and approximately 32,000 new diagnoses annually, with only 65 percent of people virally suppressed and only 36 percent of the people who would benefit from PrEP on it. While we are making progress, racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic disparities persist, and continued investments are needed to reduce new infections and bring more people into care and treatment.
Public Comments on Potential Viral Hepatitis Quality Measures in Medicaid
We support the adoption of quality measures for hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Medicaid. We support the adoption of hepatitis C screening and treatment initiation measures within state Medicaid programs. We urge HHS to consider quality measures for hepatitis B screening and linkage to care, as well as for hepatitis C sustained virological response (SVR) for testing and proposal to the Medicaid Adult Core Set. We support the implementation of hepatitis B screening, hepatitis C screening, and hepatitis C treatment initiation quality measures within state Medicaid programs.
Comments to MD Prescription Drug Affordability Board on HIV treatments
While we are supportive of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) goal of improving treatment affordability, we urge PDAB members and staff to address concerns surrounding access to provider-recommended HIV treatments at the individual level and the impact on broader public health goals and provide clarity around the affordability review process to enable meaningful community input.