- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Vaccines: 2023 Year in Review
- Eyecare
- Urothelial Carcinoma
- Women's Health
- Hemophilia
- Heart Failure
- Vaccines
- Neonatal Care
- NSCLC
- Type II Inflammation
- Substance Use Disorder
- Gene Therapy
- Lung Cancer
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- HIV
- Post-Acute Care
- Liver Disease
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Biologics
- Asthma
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Type I Diabetes
- RSV
- COVID-19
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Breast Cancer
- Prescription Digital Therapeutics
- Reproductive Health
- The Improving Patient Access Podcast
- Blood Cancer
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Respiratory Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Digital Health
- Population Health
- Sleep Disorders
- Biosimilars
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Leukemia and Lymphoma
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
- Urology
- Obstetrics-Gynecology & Women's Health
- Opioids
- Solid Tumors
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Dermatology
- Diabetes
- Mental Health
Out-of-Pocket Costs Reduce Med Adherence Alzheimer's, other neurological conditions
As out-of-pocket costs go up for drugs for the Alzheimer's disease, peripheral neuropathy and Parkinson's disease, people are less likely to take the drugs as often as their doctors prescribed, according to a study this week in Neurology.
"These results are concerning, especially as we've seen the cost of prescription drugs continue to rise and an increasing amount of the cost being shifted to patients through out-of-pocket costs," said study author Brian C. Callaghan, MD, MS, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
The study found that increases in out-of-pocket costs by $50 were associated with lower adherence. For Alzheimer's disease, a $50 increase in out-of-pocket costs was associated with a 12% decrease in the medication-possession ratio. For peripheral neuropathy, a $50 increase in out-of-pocket costs for the gabapentinoid drugs was associated with a 9% decrease in the medication possession ratio.
The study was supported by the American Academy of Neurology.
Callaghan also noted that people with Alzheimer's disease and neuropathy often have other conditions that require medication, so the effect of out-of-pocket drug costs may be magnified.
"Out-of-pocket costs have risen to the point where systematic changes are needed," said James C. Stevens, MD, FAAN, President of the American Academy of Neurology. The academy is advocating for a cap on out-of-pocket costs in Washington, Stevens said.
A Conversation With Greg Baker, RPh, CEO of AffirmedRx
March 31st 2024Greg Baker, CEO of AffirmedRx, describes his early career, shares some of his critical opinions about the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry and how, in his view, his company is offering a better alternative.
Read More
David Calabrese of OptumRx Talks New Role, Market Insulin Prices and Other Topics 'On His Mind'
April 13th 2023In this month’s episode of the "What's On Your Mind podcast," Peter Wehrwein, managing editor of MHE connects with the now Chief Clinical Officer of OptumRx Integrated Pharmacies, David Calabrese. In this conversation, David touches on his transition in January as OptumRx’s former chief pharmacy officer and market president of health plans and PBMs to his new role as Chief Clinical Officer where he now focuses more on things such as specialty pharmacy to home delivery — with an overall goal of creating whole-patient care. Throughout the conversation, Calabrese also touched on the market’s hot topic of insulin prices and behavioral health services within the OptumRx community, among other topics.
Listen
Florida Gets the OK. But Will Drug Importation from Canada Actually Happen?
March 5th 2024Canadian health officials warn that maintaining a drug supply for Canadians is their priority. The staunch opposition of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry may also be an obstacle to imports from north of the border.
Read More
Briana Contreras, editor of Managed Healthcare Executive, spoke with Nancy Lurker, CEO and president of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals. Nancy shared a bit about EyePoint and how the organization’s innovative therapies are addressing patient needs through eye care, and most importantly, she addressed C-Suite positions like the CEO role. Nancy shared advice for those seeking to reach the CEO level, especially toward women in healthcare and other roles, and what it takes to run a biopharma company.
Listen
What Payers Need to Know As Retail Pharmacies Move Into Primary Care
September 6th 2023Healthcare beyond the doors of the doctor’s office has the potential to offer more care to more people. But payers need to think about how to ensure that care is consistent. Regardless of the setting, care decisions must be based on evidence-based content and supported with strong patient education.
Read More
