We are developing policy solutions based on innuendos, gossip, and erroneous modeling assumptions instead of actual data. To help patients with out-of-pocket costs, we need our policymakers to step up, do the brave thing, and improve drug affordability by implementing policies based on accurate data.
In this episode, our hosts dive deeper into the important discussion surrounding transparency in drug pricing and discuss an article published in National Review and co-authored by Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF. “The reason I authored the paper is because frankly, if you don't have transparency in the marketplace, and you don't have accurate collection of information and data, you're going to make poor policy decisions,” says Dr. Popovian.
Among the highlights in this episode:
2:23: Why transparency is essential in the effort to collect accurate data
3:38: Dr. Popovian explains the complexity of determining how much pharmaceutical spending in the United States falls back into the pockets of pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs)
5:15: Why collecting accurate and precise data is essential to current Congressional efforts on improving and reforming the healthcare system
8:24: Dr. Popovian discusses the opposition that lawmakers and advocates are facing in their efforts on transparency
10:22: “Their arguments [PBMs’ arguments] fall flat because the data doesn't support it. If somebody is paying less for something, then why do you need to increase premiums?” says Dr. Popovian
11:52: Dr. Popovian shares his vision on what policymakers could do to bolster the transparency effort
14:18: Dr. Popovian shares some final thoughts
Contact Our Hosts
Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org
Conner Mertens, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF: cmertens@ghlf.org
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to healthcarematters@ghlf.org
Listen to all episodes of Healthcare Matters on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.
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