FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

STATEMENT FROM NCODA LEGISLATIVE & POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Contact: Kevin Scorsone | NCODA Legislative & Policy Liaison
(919) 903-2057
kevin.scorsone@ncoda.org
www.ncoda.org

Federal Trade Commission Seeking Information on How PBMs Impact Practices and Patients

On February 24, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that they are soliciting public input on the ways large, vertically-integrated Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) practices’ are affecting drug affordability and patient access. NCODA has been outspoken regarding PBMs and the effect that they have on patient access to care.

The continued escalation of cost shifting practices by PBMs make it more difficult for patients to receive the appropriate medication and treatments that best equip them to fight their cancer. NCODA is hopeful that with the recent PBM reform rulings in various states, impactful change will start to be felt in the oncology community in a positive way. Giving individual states the opportunity to implement regulations that promote PBM fairness and transparency, and keep the best interests of patients at the forefront are resounding first steps on the road toward improved care for cancer patients.

NCODA believes that a collaborative approach in revamping the PBM system will help make access to quality care and medications a realization for all patients. We applaud the FTC’s efforts in soliciting the public’s input on this important topic in order to help inform their future policies and enforcement work. The comment period will be open through April 25, 2022. Learn more here.

NCODA will continue to support our practices and the patients they serve. Our organization and staff will remain focused on this issue. We will continue to update our members as more information becomes available.

 

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About NCODA

NCODA is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering medically integrated oncology practices to deliver positive, patient-centered outcomes by providing leadership, expertise, quality standards, and best practices. For more information about NCODA visit www.ncoda.org or follow @NCODA on LinkedIn.