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Exploring Access and Affordability in Pharmacy

Kaiser Permanente and Tufts Medical Center invite you to a pivotal fireside chat titled "Tough Pill to Swallow: Balancing Access and Affordability in Pharmacy". This event will be held on October 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT and offers a unique opportunity to delve into the pressing issue of high medication costs amidst rising healthcare demands.

Event Overview

The discussion will feature esteemed health care leaders who will share insights regarding the increasing chronic disease rates and the surging costs of specialty medications. As healthcare organizations strive to deliver high-quality care while managing financial constraints, this dialogue will shed light on how value-based care can play a crucial role in reducing medication expenses.

Keynote Speakers:

• - Peter J. Neumann, ScD: Director, Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Tufts Medical Center.
• - Maisha Draves, MD, MPH: Associate Medical Director, The Permanente Medical Group.
• - Stephen Parodi, MD: Executive Vice President, The Permanente Federation (Moderator).

Discussion Topics

Participants will gain valuable insights on the following critical topics:
1. Preventive, Value-Based Care: Explore how adopting a preventive and value-oriented approach can help mitigate the rising costs of medications and enhance patient outcomes.
2. Role of Biosimilars: Learn how biosimilars could potentially increase treatment options and affordability while improving health outcomes.
3. Impact of GLP-1s: Understand what the introduction of GLP-1 medications reveals about the potential to reshape pharmacy policy, enhance access, and control costs.

Why Attend?

This event promises to engage both healthcare providers and patients in important conversations that are taking place not just in clinic rooms but also within boardrooms across the U.S. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the need for equitable and affordable access to essential medications has never been more critical.

Register Now: Don’t miss the chance to participate in this free, informative session. Registration allows access to the live event as well as a recording for those unable to attend in real-time. Join in on the conversation online using the hashtag #PermLiveLeadership.

About the Organizations

Permanente Medical Groups are known for providing award-winning patient care to over 12.9 million members of Kaiser Permanente. With more than 25,000 dedicated physicians, these groups focus on delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare across eight states and the District of Columbia. Their motto embodies ethical, compassionate, physician-led care that prioritizes the best interests of patients.

For more information about Permanente Medicine and to register for the event, please visit the official website at permanente.org.

Join us on this journey towards reducing the financial barriers to vital medications and enhancing the overall quality of care in the healthcare system.