The Physicians Neurodegenerative Disease Working Group recently released a paper about the challenges facing patients who need treatment for neurodegenerative diseases but do not have adequate access.
Several novel symptomatic therapies are in various stages of development. These disease-modifying therapies could be helpful to patients, but various problems can stop patients from gaining access to them.
One major obstacle is cost. Unfortunately, it is expensive and slow to create new treatments that resolve neurodegenerative diseases. Because of this, it is likely that these therapies will be expensive to the average patient.
“In an effort to control their costs, health plans may implement strategies to limit the number of patients who can access these treatments or pass costs on to patients,” Dr. Rachel Dolhun, vice president of medical communications at The Michael J. Fox Foundation, said.
Doctors are striving to explain to policymakers that their decisions change whether patients have access to various treatments.
“State legislatures must continue to address current barriers to patient access, such as prior authorization, 'fail first,' non-medical switching and high cost-sharing, all of which can impede access to treatment for patients with neurodegenerative diseases,” a Physicians Neurodegenerative Disease Working Group representative said. “Re-examining the impact of restrictions on Medicare Part D patients -- such as the inability to use copay coupons to reduce prescription drugs costs -- could also be helpful. Additionally, engaging with health plan directors and Medicare and Medicaid officials can shape policies that protect patients' access to care and treatment.”
