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PAN Foundation Commends CMS's Partial Ban on Co-Pay Accumulator Programs
The Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation commended CMS' decision to ban the use of co-pay accumulator programs when no generic alternatives are available, calling it a significant win for patients who rely on specialty medications with high out-of-pocket costs. The rule allows drug manufacturer coupons for brand name medications to count toward the patient's deductible and annual out-of-pocket cost limit when no generic is available.
According to PAN, while not a total prohibition of these programs, it is an important move to ensure economically vulnerbale patients have access to life-saving specialty medications, many of which do not have generic alternatives.
“Co-pay accumulator programs lead to greater out-of-pocket costs for individuals with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases,” said Dan Klein, PAN’s president and chief executive officer.. “In situations where there are no generic alternatives, many patients need manufacturer coupons to help pay for their deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance. Otherwise, these patients would be unable to obtain their critical medications without having to make devastating financial trade-offs.”
What We’re Reading: Abortion Privacy Rules; Alzheimer Drug Hurdles; Nursing Home Staffing Overhaul
April 23rd 2024New health privacy rules aim to protect patients and providers in an evolving abortion landscape; some physicians express concerns about efficacy, risks, and entrenched beliefs in treating Alzheimer disease; CMS addresses longstanding staffing deficits in nursing homes.
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Empowering Community Health Through Wellness and Faith
April 23rd 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. In the third episode, Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS, CHES, CPT, discusses approaching community health holistically through spiritual and community engagement.
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Survey Results Reveal Potential Factors Slowing the Decline in Cardiovascular Mortality Rate
April 23rd 2024Research indicated that worsened glycemic, blood pressure, and obesity control, as well as increased alcohol consumption, leveled lipid control, and persistent socioeconomic disparities may have contributed to the decelerated cardiovascular mortality decline in recent years.
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Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
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