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ATAP Press Release: Physicians and Patient Advocacy Organizations Form ATAP Action Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 13, 2021

CONTACT

Dan Rene of kglobal

202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com

 

PHYSICIANS AND PATIENT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS FORM ATAP ACTION NETWORK

New 501c4 Advocating for PBM Industry Accountability

[Washington, DC] [September 13, 2021] -- The Alliance for Transparent & Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP) a coalition of patient and provider groups concerned about the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) driving up drug costs for patients announced it has formed a 501c4 organization to boost its advocacy efforts. The new organization, ATAP Action Network, is already active in promoting state and federal policies that benefit patients by exposing the role of PBMs in driving up costs for medical treatments.

ATAP has been an active advocate for patients in a variety of federal and state battles to amplify the voices of patients and physicians. In addition to its work in the legislative arena, it has filed amicus briefs in key cases including PCMA v. WEHBI and the 8-0 Supreme Court victory, Rutledge vs PCMA.

“Since 2017 ATAP has served as a voice for patients and providers, two groups grossly underrepresented in the drug pricing debate,” explained Dr. Robert Levin, the President of ATAP. “The voices from our members, combined with supporting advocacy organizations, and individuals fearing drug cost affordability, have forced state and national leaders to take action to fix problems created by the PBM industry. By forming ATAP Action Network, we are amplifying these voices to stop PBMs from draining resources from the healthcare system without providing benefits to patients.”

The ATAP Action Network is already communicating with state legislators to encourage the introduction of PBM transparency legislation. It has also been in contact with Health & Human Services officials, Members of Congress, and Senators to expose how the PBM industry has a history of increasing the market share of higher-cost drugs or depressing the market share of lower-cost drugs.

“Efforts by ATAP member organizations to force the PBM industry to disclose rebate data and force transparency and reporting requirements throughout the prescription drug supply chain (manufacturers, insurers, and PBMs) will surely be even more effective with the additional power of ATAP Action Network behind us,” stated Dr. Michael Schweitz the President of ATAP Action Network and Member of the Florida Society of Rheumatology. “Our additional advocacy efforts will continue to illustrate the critical need of regulating the rogue industry.”

The leaders of ATAP Action Network also include American College of Rheumatology representative, Dr. Angus Worthing serving as Vice President and, Dr. Mark Box of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations, serving as Secretary-Treasurer. 

About ATAP

ATAP was created in 2017 with a mission to address prescription drugs costs and patient access to affordable treatment by regulating PBM practices and reforming the drug industry through educational outreach and grassroots advocacy initiatives at both the state and federal levels. Driven by the reality that many patients struggle to afford their medications, the physician and patient advocacy organizations joined to shine a light on the abusive practices of PBMs.

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For more information, or to schedule an interview with an ATAP or ATAP Action Network spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene of kglobal at 202-329-8357. 

Please visit http://www.atapadvocates.com

Dan Rene