Seven Million Americans with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases in Jeopardy of Losing Access to Needed Medications

http://www.rheumatology.org/about/newsroom/2013/2013_02A.asp#src=social

Press release from the ACR

Seven Million Americans with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases in Jeopardy of Losing Access to Needed Medications

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RHEUMATOLOGY SUPPORTS REINTRODUCED LEGISLATION

ATLANTA – Patients with chronic, disabling, and life threatening conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and lupus are in jeopardy of losing access to critical medications called biologics. Some health insurance companies are now placing biologic drugs into "specialty tiers" that require patients to pay 20 to 50 percent of drug costs, amounting to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs each month for a single medication. This practice goes against the basic premise of insurance and is causing many patients to underutilize necessary treatment or go without treatment entirely.

The Patients' Access to Treatments Act of 2013 (H.R. 460) would limit cost-sharing requirements for medications placed in a specialty tier. The bipartisan legislation is being reintroduced by Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) and would make innovative and necessary medications more accessible by reducing excessive out-of-pocket expenses.

“Biologics are essential tools used to fight the progression of rheumatic disease and prevent disability,” says Audrey Uknis, MD, American College of Rheumatology president and professor at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Penn. “The ACR is encouraged that Reps. McKinley and Capps have reintroduced this important bill and continue to advocate that patients with chronic illnesses should have access to live-saving treatments.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, inflammatory rheumatic diseases with arthritis, are the most common cause of disability in the United States. Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis and the number is expected to rise to 67 million in 2030. Many patients are prescribed biologics or specialty drugs to help treat arthritis and other serious health conditions. Moreover, studies have revealed that patients with rheumatic disease that are treated early with biologics experience lower disease progression and disease remission (little to no disease symptoms).

The Patients' Access to Treatments Act of 2013 is supported by the Coalition for Accessible Treatments. The ACR is one of 18 member organizations that have joined the coalition. The Coalition for Accessible Treatments encourages patients and physicians to ask lawmakers to support and cosponsor the Patients' Access to Treatments Act of 2013 (H.R.460). Please contact your lawmaker by visitingwww.rheumatology.org/advocacy/actioncenter.asp.

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Thanks. Taken care of already.

Thanks for making it so easy to access with my sore hands. Done

Contacted my congressman. Thanks