We, the undersigned 105 organizations, on behalf of millions of patients and Americans who live with complex conditions such as HIV, autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, lupus, hemophilia, mental illness, and hepatitis write in response to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) request for public comment on the impact of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices on consumers. Specifically, we offer comments on how PBMs impact the health and well-being of patients who receive their health coverage through the private insurance market. While most people think insurers make the majority of decisions regarding health coverage and affordability, when it comes to prescription drugs, it is the PBMs that drive much of the decisions as to what medications a beneficiary can access and how much they pay for them. We commend the FTC for its leadership to investigate the impact that PBM practices have on the patient communities we serve and believe this represents a critical step forward to improving patient access and affordability to necessary medications.
Testimony on FY 2023 appropriations for HIV and hepatitis programs
On behalf of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, we respectfully submit this testimony in support of increased funding for domestic HIV and hepatitis programs in the FY 2023 Labor, HHS spending bill. The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute is a leading HIV and hepatitis policy organization promoting quality and affordable healthcare for people living with or at risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other serious and chronic health conditions.
Letter in support of HIV and hepatitis provisions in the “Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022” (H.R. 7666)
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, a national, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote quality and affordable healthcare for people living with or at risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other serious and chronic health conditions, is pleased to offer comments in support of the HIV and viral hepatitis provisions included in the “Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022” (HR 7666). This bipartisan bill introduced by Chairman Frank Pallone and Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers reauthorizes key Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) programs to address the national mental health and substance use disorder crises. The subcommittee is expected to consider the bill tomorrow.
Letter in support of Minnesota’s HF 3611 to require insurers to count copay assistance towards patient costs
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute is a leading HIV and hepatitis policy organization promoting quality and affordable healthcare for people living with or at risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other serious and chronic health conditions. We strongly support House File 3611 which would require health insurers to accept and count payments made on behalf of patients towards deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
CMS responds to request for information regarding reporting on pharmacy benefits and prescription drug costs
On behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), thank you for the letter regarding the Request for Information (RFI) Regarding Reporting on Pharmacy Benefits and Prescription Drug Costs1. The 58 organizations that signed this correspondence are the voice for many individuals who rely on affordable prescription drugs to treat their health conditions and prevent others, and we appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.