ATAP Press Release: ATAP Testifies at Georgia Committee in Support of PBM Regulation Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2022
CONTACT
Dan Rene of kglobal
202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com
ATAP TESTIFIES AT GEORGIA COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF PBM REGULATION BILL
Truth in Prescription Pricing Act Voted Favorably Out of Committee
[Atlanta, GA] [January 28, 2022] – On Wednesday, Robert Levin, MD, President of the Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP), a coalition of physician and patient advocacy organizations dedicated to exposing the role of the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry, testified before the Georgia House Special Committee on Access to Quality Health Care in support of Georgia HB867, the Truth in Prescription Pricing for Patients Act.
"Understanding the true cost of prescriptions is impossible when the PBM industry continues its refusal to disclose rebate data. Without transparency and reporting requirements throughout the prescription drug supply chain (manufacturers, insurers, and PBMs), patients are disadvantaged," Dr. Levin explained. “Patients today are suffering under a system that prevents them from getting the medicine they need. The PBM industry profits significantly off rebates while interrupting the provider-patient relationship, solely to increase its profits. Now that light is shining on the previously hidden profit motives of the PBM industry, patients, physicians, and legislators have the power to effect meaningful change. I am proud of the role ATAP holds in reforming the rebate system and look forward moving legislation in Georgia and elsewhere that benefits patients through affordable drug pricing."
The Georgia legislature is currently considering HB867, the Truth in Prescription Pricing for Patients Act. ATAP has been an active advocate for patients in many federal and state battles to amplify the voices of patients and physicians. ATAP met with HB867 bill sponsor, Rep. Mark Newton, MD (R-GA-123), last week to discuss shared goals in 2022. Notably, the legislation seeks to, “disclose the true net cost and final net cost, if applicable, of prescription drugs to insureds; to require pharmacy benefits managers to calculate cost-sharing requirements for insureds based on the true net cost of prescription drugs.” At the conclusion of the January 26th hearing, the Special Committee on Access to Quality Health Care voted favorably to advance the legislation.
Dr. Levin’s testimony and a recording of the hearing can be found on the George General Assembly website.
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 expose the abusive practices of PBMs.
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To schedule an interview with Dr. Robert Levin or another ATAP spokesperson, contact Dan Rene of kglobal at 202-329-8357.
Please visit http://www.atapadvocates.com.