As the Committee considers the nomination of Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. to serve as CMS Administrator, the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute urges you to ensure the nominee will uphold a stalwart commitment to a comprehensive healthcare system that includes a robust private insurance market, along with strong Medicaid and Medicare programs. All are critical to making American healthier again and in ending the chronic diseases of HIV and hepatitis. Please find attached suggested questions for Dr. Oz concerning 1) a federal court decision regarding copay assistance for prescription drugs, 2) preventive services coverage under the ACA, 3) private insurance prescription drug coverage and affordability policies, and 4) the Medicare Part D six protected classes of prescription drugs.
Support for NJ A-5217 to Ban Copay Accumulators
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, a leading organization advocating for equitable and affordable healthcare for individuals living with or at risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other chronic health conditions, strongly supports Assembly Bill 5217. This vital legislation ensures that health insurers accept and count payments made on behalf of patients toward their deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Support for Missouri Senate bill 45 to ensure all copays count for patients
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, a leading organization advocating for equitable and affordable healthcare for individuals living with or at risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other chronic health conditions, strongly supports Senate Bill 45. This vital legislation ensures that health insurers accept and count payments made on behalf of patients toward their deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Testimony Supporting NH’s SB 17 to Ensure Copay Assistance Counts toward Patient Costs
By passing Senate Bill 17, New Hampshire will join 21 other states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in protecting consumers purchasing insurance on the private market. This legislation ensures that copay assistance counts toward cost-sharing obligations, preventing patients from facing insurmountable financial barriers to their medications.
Oregon PDAB comments on HIV drug affordability, copay accumulators, and alternative funding programs
As the Oregon PDAB begins reviewing its initial list of prescription drugs, we believe that affordability reviews of HIV medications fail to fully account for the intricacies of the existing HIV safety net, which makes lifesaving HIV treatments affordable for most people. We also want to raise numerous factors in the global HIV drug ecosystem that would be difficult for a state to consider. Finally, we reiterate our support for the proposed legislative policy recommendations that enhance transparency around insurers’ use of copay accumulators, maximizers, and the need to consider alternative funding programs.