Lowering Prescription Drug Costs
By: State: Massachusetts
The Bay State continues to lead on tough health care issues. Most recently Gov. Patrick signed a law that restricts drug companies and medical device manufacturers from giving gifts to health care providers, and requires disclosure of payments to providers. However, the Massachusetts Public Health Council—the agency charged with putting the law into action—wants to water down these important restrictions. AARP says, no.
AARP speaks out
This January, the Public Health Council held public hearings in Boston and Worcester to gather comments on its proposed plan. AARP testified, urging the Council to revise its plan and instruct drug companies and medical device manufacturers to disclose all payments to health care providers, including research fees and other consulting arrangements.
"Rising prescription drug costs threaten the continued implementation of Massachusetts' landmark health care reform law, as well as the financial stability of the state and employers that provide health care coverage," said Jessica Costantino, AARP Massachusetts advocacy director.
The hearings were also attended by legislators, pharmaceutical and medical device lobbyists, consumer advocates, business and tourism industry representatives.
Putting patients first
AARP stressed that relationships between pharmaceutical and medical device companies, prescribers and payers should be:
- transparent,
- free from conflicts of interest, and
- guided by the best interests of the patient.
"Everyone wants to see appropriate collaboration between providers and the industry continue," said Costantino, "but consumers have a right to know about those relationships and the state has a right to ensure compensation is reasonable and not inappropriately influential."
Keeping health care affordable
Prescription drugs can improve the quality of life or replace more expensive medical care, yet the increasingly higher costs are a real issue for people with low- and moderate- incomes. According to AARP research, those with lower incomes often cut costs by taking less medication. Such measures may ultimately result in higher health care costs when residents require urgent care and more costly hospitalizations.
AARP believes that all individuals have a right to:
- timely and available health care services
- coverage that provides adequate financial protection against health care costs
- high quality health care
- a reasonable choice of health care providers
- a system that is equitable, broadly based, and affordable to all.
Stay informed
For updates on the gift restrictions on drug companies in Massachusetts, please click here.
You can also send an email to ma@aarp.org.
Related Articles
preview