New Study Reveals Widespread Concern over Prescription Price Controls, Costs, and Access
86 percent of respondents shared concerns that state-run Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs) will limit treatment options; 51 percent said medicines prescribed by their doctor were denied by their insurer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Research findings published today by the consulting firm Charles River Associates and No Patient Left Behind -- a non-profit dedicated to making medicines affordable for everyone in America -- found a clear majority of consumers want health plans to lower out- of-pocket costs but are concerned that state government price controls will harm access and not reduce the costs they pay at the pharmacy counter.
Gathering responses between October and November 2024 from 200 US adults who had spent at least $100 out-of-pocket on prescription medicines in the past year, the survey found that:
77 percent of respondents feared state government price-control policies would restrict access to newer prescription medicines and reduce their choice.
More than 80 percent believed that such policies will result in more administrative hurdles to access the medicines they need.
86 percent of those surveyed expressed concern that PDAB officials will make decisions that could limit the treatment options available to them, potentially overriding their doctors’ recommendations.
“The survey results make it clear that Americans are worried that they won’t be able to get the medicines they need because of excessive barriers imposed by state governments and health plans,” said Peter Rubin, Executive Director of No Patient Left Behind, which sponsored the research. “Rather than restrict patient access, consumers want states to enact insurance reforms that reduce out-of-pocket costs and limit unnecessary administrative frictions between patients and life-saving medications.”
These findings come at a time when patients are already struggling to access essential treatments. The same survey found that:
51 percent of respondents reported that the medicines prescribed by their doctor were denied by their insurance provider.
Of those denied access, 25 percent of the total respondents were required to use an alternative medicine, while 26 percent of those denied access were unable to collect their prescribed medications due to their health insurer not covering the medicine.
“These findings highlight the importance of ensuring that state policies do not prevent patients from accessing the medicines they need,” said Kirsten Axelsen, a senior policy adviser from Charles River Associates.
About No Patient Left Behind
No Patient Left Behind (NPLB) is a coalition of biotechnology innovators, investors, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates working to ensure that patients have access to the medicines they need today and in the future. Through rigorous, independent research and data analysis, NPLB promotes biotech affordability and innovation, advancing common-sense solutions that enable every patient to afford the drugs prescribed by their doctor at low or no out-of-pocket cost — while also preserving the incentives for investment that spur the development of new, life-saving treatments. In tandem with its research efforts, NPLB educates leaders and stakeholders across the biotech ecosystem about thoughtful and balanced policy solutions. Learn more about NPLB’s latest initiatives at www.nopatientleftbehind.org.
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