Prescription for Better Access

In this episode, we investigate the rise of Alternative Funding Programs (AFPs) that bypass coverage for vital specialty drugs.  Kyle Crowell, an expert consultant on AFPs, discusses how payers avoid their responsibility for costs by collaborating with third-party companies to exclude specific drug coverage and directing patients towards manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs (PAP...

Patients are experiencing remarkable weight loss thanks to the new generation of GLP-1’s and the downstream health benefits may go well beyond diabetes. In spite of the dramatic results for patients, insurance plans have started to put up more barriers and are even denying the drugs on a more consistent basis. For this special Obesity Week 2023 episode, we interview Dr. Angela Fitch, Preside...

Employers are discovering this fall that they are expected to shoulder a 6% health insurance increase for 2024. What can employers do to combat the accelerating cost of health insurance without jeopardizing access to vital drugs? In this podcast episode, we talk with Matt Ohrt, a former HR executive who achieved a 20% reduction in health insurance costs for his employer. Matt has a new book and ne...

Many of the most beneficial therapies are prescribed or administered within physician offices yet these providers face a multitude of challenges attempting to get authorization and coverage. In this podcast, we interview a practice manager who is not only on the frontlines of the battle to help patients but is also an award-winning advocate for access. This episode will explore the barriers faced...

This episode delves into the intricate web of Washington's influence on patient access, exploring the multifaceted factors that shape healthcare legislation, policies and their impact on patients, other key stakeholders and drug pricing. With an insightful interview from one of Washington’s top healthcare experts, listeners gain insight to the complexities of legislation, such as the Afforda...

In this podcast, we interview a consultant and a leading patient advocate to better understand and explore the challenges of copay accumulator and maximizer programs for specialty drugs. We discuss the difference between the two programs and their impact on the various stakeholders including the overwhelming burden placed on patients. We also discuss the legal issues and potential policy changes t...

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBM’s) manage the drug benefits for millions of Americans and as a result, they can have a positive or negative impact on patient access. Mesfin Tegenu, an early pioneer in the PBM industry, is interviewed by Scott and Mark and offers his candid perspective on what PBM’s do, their impact on stakeholders and how the PBM industry could evolve over the next few...

In this episode, we interview Dr. Steven Pearson, the founder and President of the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). Over the past 16 years, ICER has evolved from a Harvard research program to the independent authority on cost-effectiveness and value of new drugs. Dr. Pearson has been an advocate of “Fair Pricing for Fair Access” and in January 2023, ICER published the...

In this foundational episode about drug pricing, we interview Dr. Jamie Robinson, the Leonard D. Schaeffer Professor of Health Economics, and Director of the Berkeley Center for Health Technology at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Robinson is the author of 3 books and 150 peer-reviewed articles on health economics and drug pricing. James Robinson PhD, MPH, Chair, Health Policy and Mana...

This episode features an interview with Peyton Howell discussing the evolution of patient access over the past three decades, the creation of the hub industry, and the continuing challenges faced by pharma companies and service providers in supporting patient access to medications. Peyton Howell, Chief Operating and Growth Officer, Parexel Parexel Lash Group Genentech Biologics How Automation Is T...

In this episode, co-hosts Mark Hansan and Dr. Scott Howell interview two patients who share their personal journeys, how medicine has helped them, their challenges related to access, and how both are making a difference for patients. Donna Cryer, JD, CEO, Founder of the Global Liver Institute Reid Jewitt Smith, Ph.D., Patient Advocate and Career Educator Global Liver Institute Cystic Fibrosis Vert...

In this episode Mark and Scott interview Dave Moules, former Pfizer SVP, Payer and Channel Access to look at the year ahead in patient access. David Moules, former Pfizer SVP, Payer and Channel Access The Inflation Reduction Act The Affordable Care Act  340B Drug Pricing Program Insulin Affordability and the Inflation Reduction Act Do you have a prescription for better access? Share your idea...

In this preview episode, you will have the opportunity to get to know co-hosts Mark Hansan and Dr. Scott Howell and why they have come together to launch the interview-focused podcast to help improve patient access to medicines. Mark Hansan, Co-founder and Executive Chairman, CareMetx, LLC Dr. Scott Howell, Healthcare and biopharma teacher, researcher, and advisor Prescription For Better Access we...