LET MY DOCTORS DECIDE APPLAUDS INTRODUCTION OF HELP COPAYs ACT

On behalf of approximately 50 million people with autoimmune diseases, Let My Doctors Decide (LMDD) applauds Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Diana DeGette (D-CO) for their leadership in introducing the HELP Copays Act.

 Copay accumulators are an example of harmful utilization management policies used by insurance companies that restrict patient access to doctor-prescribed drugs and treatments. Copay accumulator policies lack transparency and expose patients to additional costs which can interrupt treatment, further delaying improved health and wellness. Payers use these practices to prohibit patient assistance from prescription drug manufacturers from counting towards the patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Many people living with autoimmune conditions and other chronic diseases receive this assistance to help them afford their medication.

 Unfortunately, insurance companies policies prevent patients from receiving the full benefits of these programs. Often, though payers pocket the assistance, they don’t give patients credit towards their out-of-pocket requirements.

 LMDD’s recent national scorecard study found that three out of four insurance plans received a “C” or “F” due to access restrictions they placed on patients. The Autoimmune Association, the founding organization for LMDD, joined more than two dozen companies on a recent amicus brief supporting a case challenging a federal rulemaking which allows health insurers to avoid counting the value of copay assistance towards patients' out of pocket costs.  

 Policymakers at the federal and state levels are taking actions to curb harmful payer policies, and the HELP Copays Act is a critical step to ensuring that patients have affordable access to the medications and treatments they need. It’s time to put patients first.