Week in Review: The Latest from PhRMA

Value of Medicine: Insurers continue to attack medicines and make it difficult for patients to access the drugs prescribed by their doctors. One patient shares his story about the difficulties trying to access the right medicine, at the right time.

340b Spotlight: A new study from The New England Journal of Medicine finds many non-profit hospitals are failing to meet the Affordable Care Act’s charity care requirements. Learn more about the impact on patients and why additional charity care requirements for hospitals that participate in the 340B program should be considered.

HHS Pharmaceutical Forum:  As the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hosts a forum on pharmaceutical innovation, access, affordability and better health today, here are six key facts we need to consider as we look at spending across the health care system.

Celebrating PhRMA Foundation: For 50 years, the PhRMA Foundation has provided $80 million in grant and fellowship awards to assist 2,200 young scientists. Help us celebrate this milestone anniversary and find out more about our commitment to young scientists who are driving improved health outcomes for patients worldwide.

Clinical Trials in Your Backyard: Watch a new video that highlights the PhRMA-sponsored Research in Your Backyard program and underscores the importance of clinical trials to both patient health and the local economy.

Impact of Health Insurance Deductibles: Health insurance exchange plans that use high deductibles for prescription drugs burden patients with high out-of-pocket costs and limited access to medicines, and the trend is expected to continue. Learn about the hurdles patients may face when trying to access their care.

The Competitive Marketplace at Work: New data shows how the substantial discounts, rebates and coupons built into the competitive marketplace keep net medicine prices down, with 2014’s 5.5% net brand growth the lowest in the past five years. Read more about IMS Institute’s brief.

What is Driving Premium Increases? New research from Avalere Health found 56% of premium increases are due to hospital and professional costs, not medicines. Find out more.

Medicare Monday: Last month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized its Part B biosimilar reimbursement plan. Under CMS’s policy, coding and payment for biologics will be blended, putting patient access at risk. Learn more about the implications of CMS’s biosimilars policy.

Misleading Clinical Trial Report: A recent study about industry compliance with legal and ethical principles while conducting clinical trials is contributing to misinformation about the clinical trial process and data sharing. Read why accurate and balanced information about clinical data sharing is critically important.