Congressional Health Care Provisions Aim to Reduce Drug Prices and Enhance Telehealth Access
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) has praised Congressional leaders for incorporating essential health care provisions in a recent bill intended to fund the government until March 14, 2025. Amid rising voter demands for relief from escalating healthcare costs, this proposed legislation aims to make healthcare both more competitive and affordable.
A notable aspect of this bill is its commitment to enhancing transparency within the pharmaceutical supply chain. ACHP, the only health plan association in Washington that advocates for pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) transparency, lauds the stringent transparency requirements imposed on drug intermediaries. By targeting large for-profit PBMs and obstructive patent tactics, the legislation represents a significant step towards enabling lower drug prices for American consumers.
Ceci Connolly, President and CEO of ACHP, emphasized the urgency for reform, describing the current drug pricing system as a 'Ponzi scheme.' The bill seeks to reshape the dynamics of pricing by addressing concerns regarding PBM compensation that is tied to drug prices in Medicare Part D. This proposed shift towards a cost-plus model reflects a much-needed evolution in the industry that emphasizes both transparency and accountability.
In addition to addressing drug pricing, the legislation also recognizes the necessity of extending telehealth flexibilities and waivers for Hospital at Home programs. The proposed two-year extension for telehealth services, along with a five-year extension for Hospital at Home, ensures that patients can continue to receive quality care in the comfort of their homes. This approach is particularly crucial as it meets the rising expectations of patients who value accessible and efficient healthcare solutions.
ACHP continues to advocate for sensible patent reforms designed to rein in manipulative tactics utilized by drug manufacturers to maintain exclusivity of branded medications. These tactics, often referred to as 'patent thickets,' effectively prevent generic and biosimilar alternatives from entering the market. By fostering competition through increased availability of generics and biosimilars, the legislation aims to bring further reductions in drug prices for consumers across the country.
The urgency for a quick passage of these health care provisions cannot be understated. ACHP’s leadership notes that the unified efforts reflected in this bill will pave the way for a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system that prioritizes affordability and accessibility. As millions of Americans navigate the complexities of healthcare, the passage of these provisions represents a timely opportunity to enhance the industry’s ability to serve patients’ needs effectively.
About the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP)
The ACHP represents a network of top-performing nonprofit health companies that provide care for tens of millions of Americans across nearly 40 states and Washington D.C. ACHP collaborates with providers to deliver high-quality coverage and care, distinguishing itself through innovative reforms and partnerships that advance sustainable solutions for patients, employers, and taxpayers alike. The organization remains a strong advocate for policies that enhance the payer-provider relationship while ensuring value-based care principles are at the forefront of healthcare delivery.
A notable aspect of this bill is its commitment to enhancing transparency within the pharmaceutical supply chain. ACHP, the only health plan association in Washington that advocates for pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) transparency, lauds the stringent transparency requirements imposed on drug intermediaries. By targeting large for-profit PBMs and obstructive patent tactics, the legislation represents a significant step towards enabling lower drug prices for American consumers.
Ceci Connolly, President and CEO of ACHP, emphasized the urgency for reform, describing the current drug pricing system as a 'Ponzi scheme.' The bill seeks to reshape the dynamics of pricing by addressing concerns regarding PBM compensation that is tied to drug prices in Medicare Part D. This proposed shift towards a cost-plus model reflects a much-needed evolution in the industry that emphasizes both transparency and accountability.
In addition to addressing drug pricing, the legislation also recognizes the necessity of extending telehealth flexibilities and waivers for Hospital at Home programs. The proposed two-year extension for telehealth services, along with a five-year extension for Hospital at Home, ensures that patients can continue to receive quality care in the comfort of their homes. This approach is particularly crucial as it meets the rising expectations of patients who value accessible and efficient healthcare solutions.
ACHP continues to advocate for sensible patent reforms designed to rein in manipulative tactics utilized by drug manufacturers to maintain exclusivity of branded medications. These tactics, often referred to as 'patent thickets,' effectively prevent generic and biosimilar alternatives from entering the market. By fostering competition through increased availability of generics and biosimilars, the legislation aims to bring further reductions in drug prices for consumers across the country.
The urgency for a quick passage of these health care provisions cannot be understated. ACHP’s leadership notes that the unified efforts reflected in this bill will pave the way for a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system that prioritizes affordability and accessibility. As millions of Americans navigate the complexities of healthcare, the passage of these provisions represents a timely opportunity to enhance the industry’s ability to serve patients’ needs effectively.
About the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP)
The ACHP represents a network of top-performing nonprofit health companies that provide care for tens of millions of Americans across nearly 40 states and Washington D.C. ACHP collaborates with providers to deliver high-quality coverage and care, distinguishing itself through innovative reforms and partnerships that advance sustainable solutions for patients, employers, and taxpayers alike. The organization remains a strong advocate for policies that enhance the payer-provider relationship while ensuring value-based care principles are at the forefront of healthcare delivery.
Topics Health）
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