The Lead Off
- Cancer survivors met with Michigan lawmakers in Lansing to support legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs.
- Senate Bill 914 would require copay assistance payments to count toward patient deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Advocates say the proposal could help patients begin treatment sooner by reducing upfront costs.
LANSING, MICH. (WOWO) Cancer survivors and advocates met with Michigan lawmakers Wednesday to urge support for legislation they say would reduce the cost burden of life-saving prescription medications.
The proposal, Senate Bill 914, would require that prescription drug payments made by patients or on their behalf—such as through copay assistance programs—be applied toward a patient’s deductible and annual out-of-pocket maximum.
The measure is supported by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, which says the change would help patients access treatment sooner by reducing upfront financial barriers according to WILX.
Advocates say bill addresses out-of-pocket cost burden
Supporters of the legislation argue that current insurance practices can prevent copay assistance from counting toward a patient’s overall cost limits, leaving patients to continue paying high expenses even after receiving financial help…