Several state and federal officials have committed to addressing concerns about “gag clauses” which prevent pharmacists from telling patients about cheaper alternatives to obtain prescription medications without health insurance.
At least five states have adopted laws against gag orders and at least 12 others are considering similar legislation, The New York Times reported. Drug benefit managers often gain the most from pharmacists’ contract-mandated silence on prescription costs, but pharmacists are reportedly fed up with the setup.
“I can’t tell you how frustrated these pharmacists were that they were unable to give that information to their customers, who they knew were struggling to pay a high co-pay,” Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, told The Times after meeting with pharmacists in her state to discuss gag orders.
One pharmacy owner told the newspaper a patient could pay $20 through insurance for a prescription when it may only cost $8 to $15 in cash.
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Daniel joined TriMed’s Chicago editorial team in 2017 as a Cardiovascular Business writer. He previously worked as a writer for daily newspapers in North Dakota and Indiana.