These companies find savings in California drug costs

By Christina Patel, special for Calmatters

This comment was originally published by CalmattersS Register about their ballots.

Pharmacy managers play a major role in negotiating the prices of medical prescription drugs, but many employees believe that their tactics require reform. Below, the pharmacist says that California legislators should continue with caution as they look at new restrictions. Opposite view: Owner of a pharmacy in the community claims that these intermediaries must be rearranged inS

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As a leading pharmacist in San Francisco, I see firsthand how the price of drugs can be as prevalent as the diseases they need to treat.

Every day, my team of pharmacists and technicians helps patients navigate complex conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disorders and multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis of cancer is difficult enough; But for many patients, the challenge is complicated by the rising price of their cancer medicines, which can cost thousands of dollars a month.

While pharmacy teams can often provide some relief by connecting patients with financial aid programs, so -called pharmacy managers work to reduce prescription costs by negotiating directly with drug manufacturers.

Earlier this year California accepted new Requirements for transparency Throughout the supply chain of prescription drugs, including improved reporting standards for benefits managers, also known as PBM.

Before fully understanding the effect of these changes, California is now considering New legislation This would limit the ability of pharmacy managers to negotiate more drug prices. The Senate Bill 41 will eliminate one of the most effective instruments that pharmacy managers have to control the prescription costs, potentially devastating patients who rely on Savings Pharmacy Pharmacy Managers Help Provide And which employers and unions are passing.

Instead of hurrying to take additional restrictions, California legislators should take the time to evaluate the impact of this year’s transparency reforms. They need to realize that effective cost control requires all sides of the healthcare system to work together.

Throughout my career, I watched countless patients relying on their auxiliary pharmacists for help. Many patients have serious concerns about their recipes, including potential side effects. Patients deserve to focus on their health, not whether they can afford their medication. California legislators must continue carefully. If done incorrectly, additional restrictions on the benefits of pharmacies could prevent patients from accessing the life -saving drugs they need.

This article was Originally Published on CalMatters and was reissued under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Noderivatives License.