We urgently need your support to ask Virginia Governor Youngkin to veto Virginia House Bill 1724, which seeks to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). AWIR opposes this legislation because PDABs can create significant patient access issues by potentially limiting the availability of essential medications, particularly impacting providers who rely on the buy-and-bill system for administering treatments. If the Upper Payment Limit set by the PDAB is lower than the acquisition cost of a drug, providers may face financial hardships that could jeopardize their ability to deliver quality care to patients battling chronic rheumatic diseases.
Key Concerns About House Bill 1724:
- Patient Access Issues: PDABs can restrict the availability of necessary medications, making it harder for patients to obtain the treatments they need.
- Financial Viability for Providers: The potential for reimbursement rates below acquisition costs places undue financial pressure on providers, leading to unsustainable practices and a decrease in care quality.
- Impact on Care Delivery: With financial constraints, providers may struggle to offer vital services, hindering their ability to adequately care for patients requiring long-term medication management.
What You Can Do:
- Contact the Governor's Office: We strongly encourage you to reach out to Governor through this VoterVoice alert and express your opposition to House Bill 1724, emphasizing the negative implications it holds for both patient access and provider sustainability.
- Engage Your Colleagues: Discuss the importance of this action with fellow healthcare providers and encourage them to voice their concerns to the Governor.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on further updates from AWIR regarding this legislation and additional advocacy opportunities.
Your effort is crucial in promoting policies that prioritize patient access and protect the integrity of healthcare practices in Virginia. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to our patients and the rheumatology community!