Patient Advocates Applaud New Legislation to Improve Prescription Drug Transparency
February 18, 2021
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Juliette Bahramand
February 18, 2021 juliette@chroniccareca.org 916-444-1985
Patient Advocates Applaud New Legislation to Improve Prescription Drug Transparency
AB 752 Requires Prescription Drug Cost and Coverage Information at Point-of-Care
(Sacramento, Calif.) Feb. 18, 2021 – The California Chronic Care Coalition applauds Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian (Van Nuys) for introducing AB 752 or the Patient Choice and Transparency Act. AB 752 would ensure information about a patient’s coverage or cost for prescribed treatments are shared with the provider and patient at the time of care, thereby minimizing administrative burden and reducing healthcare costs.
Currently, patients may be surprised at the pharmacy counter to find out the treatment their healthcare provider prescribed is too costly or not covered by their insurance. Unexpected high out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and barriers such as prior authorization (PA) impede access to treatment and can lead to delays in care and medication nonadherence. By making cost and coverage information available to providers and patients during initial appointments, both parties are initially made aware of any barriers and can determine an appropriate care plan where the patient is a key stakeholder and an active, empowered voice in their own health.
“When it comes to prescription drugs, patients deserve to know all their options in order to decide on a treatment plan that works for them and their doctor. We applaud Assemblymember Nazarian for sponsoring legislation that reduces costs and burden for both providers and patients and are proud to support such approaches that lay the groundwork for affordable patient-centered care” says Liz Helms, President and CEO, California Chronic Care Coalition.
According to the CoverMyMeds 2021 Medication Access Report, 67% of patients have gone to pick up a prescription to find that it costs more than expected. In the same report, 82% of providers list barriers like PA a time-consuming part of their day and that such barriers take away from having timely, meaningful interactions with patients.
“Our healthcare heroes have carried us through the COVID-19 pandemic, taking on higher volume and added responsibilities while working through outdated and complex administrative processes,” says Tracy Russell, State Government Affairs, CoverMyMeds. “Tech-enabled solutions that simplify provider workflows and support patients is critical, and this bill is an important step to help solve some of the most common medication access challenges.”
About the California Chronic Care Coalition
The California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC) is a unique alliance of more than 30 leading consumer health organizations and provider groups that promote the collaborative work of policy makers, industry leaders, providers, and consumers to improve the health of Californians with chronic conditions. You can find us @CAChronicCare, californiachroniccare.org, and info@chroniccareca.org.
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