On February 1, 2021, Aimed Alliance submitted letters to Maryland legislators in support of SB290 and HB167. These bills, currently before the Senate Finance Committee and the House of Delegates Health and Government Operations Committee, would prevent insurance companies from using copay accumulator programs. Currently, many drug manufacturers offer cost-sharing assistance to patients designed to ease the burden of high out-of-pocket costs of medication. Copay accumulator programs limit the effectiveness of this assistance, as the programs prevent the value of the assistance from counting towards the patient’s deductible and maximum out-of-pocket limit. When in place, copay accumulator programs can lead to patients stopping treatment or facing significant financial strains once copayment assistance from drug manufacturers runs out. These programs are particularly harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as rising unemployment rates have left patients struggling to afford their medication, and bills like SB290 and HB167 can help provide necessary relief to patients. Read the letter in support of HB167 here and the letter in support of SB290 here.
Last Updated on February 2, 2021 by Aimed Alliance
