In addition to the challenges surrounding the 340B Drug Pricing Program previously discussed by the managed care stakeholders during this Oncology Stakeholders Summit, Spring 2015 series, Ted Okon, MBA, describes some other ways the consolidation between clinics and hospitals impacts patients.
Mr Okon notes that when consolidation takes place, cancer patients who are in the middle of their course of treatment are sometimes burdened by a sudden increase in the price of their treatments. In some instances, the cost of treatment may rise by 50%.
In addition to being impacted by rising fees, adds Mr Okon, patients are being asked to split up combination therapy, especially in diseases such as multiple myeloma, where patients are treated with a combination of brand drugs and generics. Patients are administered certain medications in a clinic setting, but are then directed to travel to a hospital to receive the rest of their medications so that hospitals may take advantage of the financial benefits of the 340B program, explains Mr Okon.
If the issues surrounding the 340B Drug Pricing Program are not addressed soon, the introduction of oversight will hurt patients, notes Scott Gottlieb, MD.
Exploring Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Variations
March 26th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the March 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on variations in prior authorization use across Medicare Advantage plans.
Listen
Navigating Health Literacy, Social Determinants, and Discrimination in National Health Plans
February 13th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the February 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on how health plans can screen for health literacy, social determinants of health, and perceived health care discrimination.
Listen
The Pivotal Role of Payers in Improving Health Equity, Maternal Health Care in the US
March 26th 2024A presentation at the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health's 2024 Women’s Health Summit discussed how payers, including employers and public entities, can strategically influence health care purchasing to prioritize maternal health and equity.
Read More