“Corporate greed.’’ “Steering patients.’’ “No transparency.’’ Those phrases were used by Georgia lawmakers Thursday to characterize the complicated practices of pharmacy benefit managers. PBMs basically are corporate middlemen between health insurers or large employers and drugmakers in handling pharmaceutical benefits. A trio of House bills aim to strengthen regulation and... Read more
PBMs: Power brokers in the prescription drug world
FeatureReader Favorites February 10, 2020 0
A recent legislative hearing in Atlanta featured a stream of PBM critics. South Georgia pharmacist Nikki Bryant said PBMs are putting her out of business. Cancer patient Katie Groover said they have “exhausting” bureaucratic processes that “take away patient choice.’’ Dr. Melissa Dillmon, a Rome oncologist, said PBMs often cause... Read more
Curbing high drug prices is an issue that cuts across all political lines. In a new GHN Commentary, Della “Trip” Stoner says it’s time for Congress to act on the issue. She gives the example of insulin, which is used by people with diabetes. “The price of insulin has increased... Read more
Discounts on prescription drugs are a great thing for patients. They can also help hospitals. The 340B Drug Discount Program, in fact, requires drug companies to give deep price breaks to federally funded clinics and hospitals that serve many uninsured and vulnerable patients. But state Rep. Kim Schofield, in... Read more
Progress on insurance waiver
Feb 16, 2020 0
Ethylene oxide update
Feb 7, 2020 1
Still time to sign up for coverage
Dec 11, 2019 0
Georgia patients deserve relief from rising drug prices
Commentary December 11, 2019 1