Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions Applauds Congressional Action on PBM Reforms
Legislative Package Advances Patient Protections, Transparency, and Accountability in Prescription Drug Pricing
[Washington, DC] [December 18, 2024] -- The Alliance of Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP), a coalition of over 20 patient advocacy, medical professional, and healthcare organizations committed to addressing prescription drug affordability, commends the U.S. Congress for prioritizing key patient protection measures and tackling longstanding issues with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in its year-end legislative package. ATAP leaders are encouraged to see reforms designed to improve transparency, eliminate conflicts of interest, and enhance accountability within the PBM industry included and urge congressional members to vote in support of the package.
“PBMs have operated in the shadows for far too long, driving up prescription costs and profiting at the expense of patients,” said Dr. Robert Levin, President of ATAP. “Our coalition is dedicated to challenging these practices and advocating for policy changes that ensure patients have access to affordable medications. We are encouraged to see Congress take decisive action on these critical issues.”
One of ATAP’s longstanding priorities—the “Medicare Part D Delinking” policy—is included in the legislative package through the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act (S. 2973). This provision will require Part D plan sponsors to “delink” PBM compensation from the price of drugs, a critical step in aligning PBM incentives with the needs of patients rather than inflated drug prices.
ATAP has strongly advocated for this reform, as outlined in its letter to Senate leadership earlier this year. That letter may be found here: https://atapadvocates.com/atap-news/2023/7/25/atap-action-modernizing-and-ensuring-pbm-accountability-act-letter-to-senate-finance-committee.
ATAP leaders are also pleased to see additional measures aimed at curbing PBM abuses, including a prohibition on PBM “spread pricing” in Medicaid programs and enhanced transparency requirements for PBMs operating in Medicare Part D and private insurance markets. These reforms mark a significant step toward protecting patients from opaque and exploitative practices that drive up healthcare costs.
“These reforms are a win for patients and a vital step toward addressing systemic healthcare issues,” Dr. Levin continued. “By curbing exploitative PBM practices, Congress is taking an essential bipartisan step to protect affordability and access to life-saving medications.”
“These reforms address the systemic issues in our healthcare system that allow PBMs to profit at the expense of affordability and access to life-saving medications. We applaud Congress for recognizing the urgency of these issues and taking bipartisan action to protect patients,” Dr. Levin said.
Looking ahead, ATAP remains committed to advocating for additional PBM reforms. The coalition remains eager to work alongside the administration and the incoming Congress to further advance policies that enhance affordability, transparency, and accountability across all facets of the healthcare system.
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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To schedule an interview with an ATAP spokesperson please contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or dan@danrene.com.
Please visit http://www.atapadvocates.com