More than half of US adults are living with one or more chronic conditions
February 8, 2023 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) today released the following statement from Chair Ken Thorpe in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address:
“The Biden administration has shined a light on the burden of chronic disease and need for innovation through the Cancer Moonshot, which would support prevention, diagnosis and treatment improvements for millions of Americans living with and at risk for developing cancers. Innovation in cancer diagnostics and treatments has resulted in cancer deaths being cut by a third since 1991. PFCD supports the goals of the Moonshot and stands ready to help advance this important effort but feels strongly that there is a great deal more to be done to address the increasing burden of chronic disease across the country.
“We know that lower out of pocket costs ultimately improve overall health outcomes. PFCD believes it is important for Americans to recognize that the Inflation Reduction Act did not address the spectrum of cost drivers for chronic disease patients, nor did it get at some of the root causes of high drug costs. Starting with an insulin cap addresses one chronic disease patient population but without a focus on the practices of pharmacy benefit managers and health insurers that shift costs on to patients, limit access to needed care, and pile significant paperwork requirements onto healthcare providers, millions of Americans living with one, or more often multiple, chronic conditions are still left searching for solutions at the pharmacy counter.
“Every law has consequences whether intended or unintended. It will be mission critical that as implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act continues, the Administration and policymakers ensure patients have robust access to the treatments prescribed by their providers, and that additional steps are taken to comprehensively address the major cost drivers in healthcare and the problem areas that hamper patient access."
