We are writing to express our continuing concern about substandard, discriminatory coverage of HIV treatment medications on Community Health Choice Texas “Premier” and “Select” health insurance plans. As we have previously stated, the formularies for these plans, among other things, do not meet the regulatory standards for formulary adequacy in CFR 156.122 (a)(3)(iii)(H) by failing to cover treatment regimens specified in broadly accepted treatment guidelines and that are indicative of clinical best practice, and by discouraging enrollment by people living with HIV.
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.
Illinois testimony on PBM treatment of specialty drugs
I would like to highlight the direct impact of PBM actions on patients, specifically on whether they can access the drug that their provider prescribes and the cost they will pay. Much of this is carried out behind the scenes and without regulation. However, that is beginning to change with more states passing bipartisan legislation to regulate PBMs and even the very partisan Congress is working on federal legislation that will hopefully pass this year.
Support letter to CA State Assembly Appropriations Committee for AB 2180 on cost-sharing
HIV+Hep strongly supports AB 2180. It simply requires that the copay assistance which beneficiaries receive counts towards their out-of-pocket obligations. By passing this law, California will join 20 other states (Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Virginia), Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia in protecting consumers by assuring their copay assistance will count towards cost-sharing obligations.
Comments to MD Prescription Drug Affordability Stakeholder Council on reviewing prescription drugs
While we support the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) goal of addressing affordability of treatments, we believe that the current approach of the Board to set upper payment limits (UPLs) on the proposed drugs for review will neither benefit patient health outcomes nor result in reduced out-of-pocket costs for patients.