Conversations and healthy debate about issues facing our industry and the health care system are critical to addressing some of today’s challenges and opportunities. The Catalyst welcomes guest contributors, including patients, stakeholders, innovators and others, to share their perspectives and point of view.
Today, we are pleased to welcome a guest post from Dr. Leah Zullig, an associate professor at the Duke School of Medicine in Population Health Sciences, who is dedicated developing, evaluating and implementing approaches to support patients with taking their medications.
While medicines play an important role in maintaining health, high out-of-pocket costs can create obstacles for patients to take their medications the way their doctor prescribed. It is well documented that high out-of-pocket costs can lead to medication abandonment and non-adherence, which can result in poorer health outcomes.
Certain groups, particularly racial minorities and those with lower incomes, may face additional challenges with adherence. Minority populations have disproportionately higher rates of chronic conditions and may also bear higher out-of-pocket costs more acutely, making it less likely for them to receive important medications to control chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Considering that about one-third of patients with uncontrolled diabetes aren’t taking medication, and almost 20% are on inadequate treatment regimens, it is critical that these patients receive proper treatment to also prevent other complications such as heart or kidney disease that can contribute to increased medical costs.
Recently, a public policy debate has resurfaced due to an executive order directing the Department of Health & Human Services to finalize a proposed rule that would favor drug discounts that insurers pass on directly to patients in Medicare Part D and Medicaid managed care at the point-of-sale. This potential policy change has received significant attention for its potential impact on out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines as well as supply chain incentives
Experts think that this policy could result in meaningful changes for traditionally underserved populations, including minority communities. Reduced cost sharing could improve population health by increasing access to medicines. It could be particularly helpful for underserved populations, therefore reducing geographic and/or racial health disparities and improving equity in health care.
For more information, read this article published in Science Direct. Learn more about PhRMA’s commitment to racial equity and inclusion here.
Guest Contributor
The PhRMA blog welcomes guest contributors, including patients, stakeholders, innovators and others, to share their perspectives and point of view on issues facing our industry and the health care system.
Guest Contributor
Celebrating advances in diabetes research
Recent events highlight progress on health equity
ICYMI: PhRMA’s 4th Annual Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo
Hispanic Heritage Month: Fighting for Hispanic patients
Did the administration consider the importance of blood clot medicines to patients in the price setting process?
PhRMA awards grants to 2024 Annual Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo Partners
Did the administration consider the value of innovative diabetes medicines in price setting process?
How government price setting fails to address systemic health care inequities
Women’s Health Month: A conversation with Sage
Championing cancer equity: Our drive for healthier AANHPI communities
New analysis: Accelerated approval pathway is changing lives in underserved communities
What recent rhetoric on the cost of diabetes and anti-obesity medicines gets wrong
PhRMA provides grant funding to support the Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute’s Health Equity Tra
New social determinants of health simulation explores structural barriers patients face accessing and affording medicines
PhRMA awards grants to 2023 Annual Pathways to Success Graduate Summit Partners
Between hope and despair: Improving cancer outcomes
New calculator demonstrates how improved adherence to anti-diabetic medicines can benefit people in Medicaid
4 key facts on medicine prices and spending
PhRMA awards grant to Emerson Diversity Health Foundation
PhRMA Otorga Beca a la “Emerson Diversity Health Foundation”
Using traditional HTAs to determine coverage threatens patient access to medicine
Traditional HTAs keep diverse patients out of the conversation
New data show how insurers and middlemen shift Rx costs onto patients
Traditional HTA methods treat everyone like the “average” patient
Insulin and reconciliation
You won’t fix what you don’t value: Two reasons why traditional cost-effective analyses can perpetuate health inequities
Potential gene therapies bring hope to patients with sickle cell disease
Stephanie Dyson of BMS on reducing health disparities
Sharing rebates can save Americans with diabetes 500 each year and improve adherence
Announcing CAREs Grant Round 4
Announcing CAREs Grant Round 4
Guest Series: PhRMA talks racial and health equity with Lauren Powell, VP US Health Equity and Community Wellness, Takeda
3 factors impacting medication adherence for patients with diabetes
PhRMA awards $75,000 to fund initiatives to reduce health inequities
Watch: Building trust and enhancing clinical trial diversity
More than 800 medicines are in development for diseases that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic communities
PhRMA hosts first stakeholder workshop on clinical trial diversity
PhRMA CAREs Grant request for proposals: Addressing inequities in access to COVID-19 testing, therapeutics and vaccines
PhRMA member companies share how they are improving clinical trial diversity
Guest post: PhRMA talks racial and health equity with Stephanie Dyson, Head of Office at Biogen
New insulin report highlights how incentives benefit middlemen, harm patients
Paper finds gaps in health data are a barrier to health equity
New research shows hotspots of inequity relate to increased COVID-19 hospitalizations
Increasing diversity at investigator sites could increase minority participation in clinical trials
Report highlights biopharmaceutical industry’s commitment to D&I
Strengthening a culture dedicated to patients and equity: A conversation with Percival Barretto-Ko, President of Astellas US
PhRMA CAREs Grant request for proposals: Addressing racial disparities in medication utilization and adherence
Accumulator adjustment programs lead to surprise out-of-pocket costs and nonadherence, analysis finds
Committing to diversity, equity and inclusion: A call to action for clinical trials
Just released: PhRMA members’ new clinical trial diversity principles
ICYMI: Addressing health inequities: Biopharmaceutical companies are rising to the occasion
Guest Post: Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month by taking action on health equity
PhRMA will continue to advocate for equity within our industry
Three ways the pharmaceutical industry can positively impact health equity
Guest Post: Amgen Foundation stands for equal opportunities in STEM learning
Systemic racism is as real as any disease, and our industry is not immune
Commercial health plans have increased patients’ out-of-pocket costs by over 50% in some therapeutic areas
Guest Post: Pride started with protest: Combatting the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism this Pride Month
PhRMA awards $100,000 to fund projects that address health inequalities
Observing National Minority Health Month in the age of COVID-19
PhRMA comments to Congress on Cures 2.0 call to action
Guest post: H.R.3 is the wrong approach to help patients like me
Guest post: Sharing discounts and rebates is the right thing to do
Ask About Adherence: Hepatitis C cures will save Medicaid $12 billion by 2022
New report shows more than 160 medicines in development for diabetes and related conditions
Five key facts about the market for insulins
OptumRX: Sharing rebates with patients is “worth it”
Six key facts about the market for insulins
Ask About Adherence: New study finds one-third of newly diagnosed diabetic patients aren’t starting treatment
Reality check: Value-based contracts are good for patients
Ask About Adherence: Private-sector collaboration can lead to savings and care improvement
New report shows better diabetes management saves money and improves patient outcomes
Protect your health: Important disaster preparedness tips for Harvey and Irma
Ask About Adherence: Discussion on medication adherence as national priority
Medicare Monday: Positive impact of Part D on America’s seniors
A critical opportunity to prevent prescription drug abuse
Medicare Monday: A discussion on affordability and access to medicines
Sharing rebates can improve access to medicines and increase health equity
Diabetes
Adherence
Health Equity
Sharing rebates can improve access to medicines and increase health equity
Sharing rebates can improve access to medicines and increase health equity