The EACH/PIC Coalition submitted comment letters to the Maryland PDAB providing input and feedback on the dossiers developed as part of the cost review process for Farxiga and Jardiance.
The letters stated:
“We continue to encourage the board to center cost reviews around the lived experiences of patients and the real-world affordability challenges they face. A review that focuses solely on systemic or payer-level costs risks overlooking the most meaningful aspect of affordability: the context behind affordability concerns, including the impact on people’s ability to access and adhere to their prescribed medications.”
“For [patients with chronic conditions], therapeutic alternatives may not be alternatives at all. Very often drug interactions or other health conditions would prevent individual patients from being able to switch to an alternative medication that, on paper, seems like it would be an appropriate treatment. Further, patients with chronic conditions can build up a tolerance to medications over time, so they must retain access to all treatments in a class of drugs to prolong their treatment … Therefore, we urge the board to carefully evaluate the needs of all patients. Failure to do so can result in limiting options within a therapeutic class to only one option – which might not be the right option for many patients.”
“While UPLs are intended to lower costs for patients, the reality is that they will create a new incentive structure for payers that could compromise patient access to the selected medications due to increased utilization management or reshuffling of formularies. We encourage the board to take the necessary time and care to ensure this process supports, not disrupts, continuity of care. Patients must not face unintended consequences from policy decisions that limit treatment options or impose additional burdens.”