In this episode, we explore the evolving role of healthcare and patient advocates and how this profession has become an essential part of the healthcare system. We begin by defining what a healthcare advocate is and tracing the development of the profession over the years. Key milestones are discussed, such as establishing codes of ethics, training, and certification processes. We also share real-world examples of how advocates help patients navigate the complexities of healthcare, making a measurable impact on patient outcomes. The discussion covers the scale of advocacy in the U.S., examining the roles of professional advocates compared to family members and volunteers. We also address how advocates are helping patients overcome barriers to accessing and affording medicines. Finally, we look to the future of advocacy, discussing potential healthcare reforms, the impact of technology, and practical advice for patients seeking an advocate in today's challenging healthcare environment.

Rachel Westlake, Managing Director, Coalition of Health Care Advocacy Organizations
Danielle Marshall, Executive Director, Patient Advocate Certification Board
Fred Larbi, Chief Operations Officer, HealthWell Foundation
CHCAO
Patient Advocate Cerification Board
Healthwell Foundation
Greater National Advocates
NAHAC
HealthAdvocateX
Umbra
Solace

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In this episode, we explore the evolution and future of the Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) industry with insights from two seasoned pharma managed care executives. We discuss the early role of PBMs, their acquisition by pharmaceutical companies, and subsequent industry consolidation. We examine how vertical integration of the PBMs transformed their business model, including the restricted formularies that gave rise to rebates. We also address evolving PBM-manufacturer relationships, the effects of public scrutiny, and predictions for key trends. Join us for a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of PBMs, focusing on the changes needed to better serve patients.

Steve Stefano, Managing Director, ReprizioRx

Steve.Stefano@repriziorx.com

Bill Leonard, Managing Director, ReprizioRX

wjl@repriziorx.com

ReprizioRX

PBMs

IPA model HMO

Medco

Metro Containment Services

Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988

Merck

SmithKline Beecham

Eli Lilly

340B

NDC blocks

Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs)

Medicare

United Healthcare

FTC

CostPlusDrugs

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In this episode, we dive into the pharmaceutical industry's research and drug development side and the real threat that today’s access and affordability challenges and policies pose to innovation. While innovation often starts in universities with government support, biotech, and pharma companies take on the tough, costly job of clinical trials, development, and approval of new drugs. Investment dollars are limited, only the most promising projects get funded, with an expectation there will be a return. However, our current drug payment process and policies like the IRA have added new considerations for investors, risking fewer new drugs being developed. Without changes, patients could face the closing of our nation's medicine cabinet, with fewer new treatments available. This would be an outcome that would be catastrophic for all of us.

Erin Mistry, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Cormedix, Inc.

Imran Nasrullah, JD., formerly VP & US Head of BD&L at Bayer, and now Founder, SNAP Life Sciences

Research and development (R&D)

FDA

CF Foundation

Vertex

NIH

AMR (antimicrobial resistance)

The Pasteur Act

HIV

Malaria

Flagship Pioneering Launches Metaphore Biotechnologies to Unlock the Therapeutic Potential of Biomimicry

Novo Nordisk Bets Up to $600 Million on Ozempic 2.0. Here's Why the Stock Is a Buy.

Genentech

Genzyme (Now Sanofi)

Medicare

IRA (Inflation Reduction Act)

COVID-19

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