Patient Advocacy Groups Work to Reduce the Impact of Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Patient advocacy groups across the country have been working to provide solutions for patients who struggle with high out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications, like those in the bleeding disorders community. Copay choice legislation is an attempt to alleviate the impact and uncertainty of high out-of-pocket costs on patients in the beginning of the year (before they have met their deductible). This legislation would require insurance plans to offer a copay only option, which would not require patients to reach a deductible before their insurance begins to pay a portion of the cost. A flat rate copay option, rather than coinsurance which charges a percentage of the prescription cost, would provide consistency for patients so they can plan for payments. HFM is working closely with the Michigan Coalition for Affordable Prescriptions (MICAP) who is spear heading this effort. MICAP will continue their efforts to pursue policy change regarding out-of-pocket expenses in 2019.