Event Recap: The Prescription for Affordable Drugs

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) recently hosted a panel discussion exploring policy solutions to increase access to affordable prescription drugs.

According to a recent Gallup survey, an estimated 18 million Americans reported they couldn’t pay for at least one prescribed medication. And roughly 26 million people said they skipped dosages to make their prescriptions last longer.

While there is broad agreement that prescription drugs should be affordable and accessible to all, there is little consensus about policy solutions.

In this important discussion, the panel shared their perspectives on a range of topics, including:

  • Trends in the affordability of prescription drugs and their effect on insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs
  • The relationship between drug pricing, care management practices and patient outcomes
  • State and Federal policy solutions to address affordability and accessibility

Jim Leleszi, Senior Vice President of Specialty Markets, CareFirst, moderated the panel that included:

  • Rena M. Conti, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Markets, Public Policy and Law, Boston University Questrom School of Business
  • Sean Dickson, J.D., MPH, Director, Health Policy, West Health Policy Center
  • Andrew York, J.D., Pharm.D., Executive Director, Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board