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State drug price caps may harm patient access despite affordability goals
['Brandy Fidler', 'Editor', 'Business Strategy']
bioxconomy
The patient access riskWhile proponents of PDABs advocate for improved medication access, the implementation of UPLs may produce consequences that compromise patient access to essential therapies.
Survey data shared in the commentary show that half of payers anticipate increased utilization management and patient cost-sharing for UPL drugs.
Risks for pharmacies and providersFor pharmacies and providers, UPLs introduce what the authors call “substantial financial uncertainty and operational burdens.”
Related:Sandoz launches direct-to-patient drug platformSome pharmacies and providers may respond by limiting or ceasing to stocking UPL drugs entirely, the authors noted.
The patient-centered problem that UPLs are attempting to solve remains unclear, while the potential harm to patient access becomes increasingly evident.