The ACR recently announced the launch of the Alliance for Transparent & Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP), a coalition of provider and patient groups concerned about the role pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play in driving up drug costs. The inaugural ATAP in-person meeting wrapped up on July 19 in Washington, D.C.
The Alliance currently consists of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO), the Global Healthy Living Foundation, the ACR, Florida Society of Rheumatology, New York State Rheumatology Society and California Rheumatology Alliance. It is working to bring other physician and patient groups on board and encourages interested parties to visit the ATAP website or reach out to Dan Rene via email for more information.
ACR Government Affairs Committee Chair Angus Worthing, MD, will serve as the Alliance’s vice chair. He says, “On a personal level, I’m thrilled to be joining the leaders of this coalition. On an organizational level, the ACR is dedicated to educating our members, our patients and our country’s leaders about the increases in drug spending that are due to excessive rebates and fees created by pharmacy benefit managers. ATAP will focus on member outreach, education and advocacy in the coming months.”
Also as part of the July meeting, ATAP met with U.S. House and Senate staff to promote policy changes that would lower the cost of prescription medicines and call attention to the practices of PBMs. The group met with Senate Committee on Health, Education Labor & Pensions (HELP) majority staff to provide education on PBMs and ask for Senate action on escalating drug prices so that doctors can provide appropriate care and patients can have access to the life-changing medications they need.
Carrier Advisory Committee member Gene Huffstutter, MD, says, “I was impressed that Sen. Alexander understands these issues very well and is embarking on a series of hearings to better understand the healthcare delivery system. The HELP Committee is working to improve the value of care for patients. ATAP is now on record to help HELP.”
Dr. Huffstutter, MD, also met with his own representative, Chuck Fleishmann (R-Tenn.), to provide education about PBM practices.
The Alliance is a voice for patients and providers, two groups that have been under-represented in the drug pricing debate. In the coming months ATAP will focus on member outreach, education and advocacy. The alliance plans to meet in person annually and have a continued presence in the drug pricing discussion.
