In this episode of Healthcare Matters, Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc unpack the often unpredictable nature of political affiliations in relation to support for patient-centric policies, particularly in the realm of drug pricing and the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). They discuss bipartisan efforts to address drug pricing reforms and delve into Governor Newsom's controversial veto of the PBM Reform Bill in California. Additionally, the episode covers the FTC’s lawsuit against PBMs over insulin pricing and assesses its potential implications for patient care. Dr. Popovian also challenges a misleading statement by The Wall Street Journal regarding drug rebates.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:03: Dr. Popovian dives into the critical issues surrounding drug policy, emphasizing how political affiliation sometimes doesn't align with effective health care policy for patients, highlighting the cross-party collaboration and conflict within drug pricing reforms

02:09: Dr. Popovian elaborates on the complex nature of drug pricing policies, pointing out the unusual alliances formed across political lines. He discusses how both conservative and liberal politicians have joined forces to address issues with Pharmacy Benefit Management companies (PBMs), which he identifies as major contributors to the problems within the drug pricing system

03:56: Dr. Popovian challenges a statement by The Wall Street Journal concerning rebate contracting in drug pricing, clarifying that while rebates are permitted there is no legislative requirement forcing PBMs to adopt rebate contracting. Dr. Popovian points out that alternative pricing models like net price contracting are viable and used by large insurers like Kaiser in California without relying on rebate contracts

You can find Dr. Popovian’s LinkedIn posts on this topic below:

- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7246621458792165376/

- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7245454053596422144/

To read the full article from The Wall Street Journal, visit: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/federal-trade-commission-pharmacy-benefit-managers-insulin-43b0a974?mod=opinion_lead_pos1

05:35: Dr. Popovian discusses a controversial veto of the PBM Reform Bill in California by Governor Newsom, analyzing the negative implications for patient care in California and contrasting this with other states' more patient-friendly policies

08:15: Our hosts discuss the FTC's lawsuit against major PBMs regarding insulin pricing, exploring how past practices of PBMs have escalated costs and restricted patient access to essential medications

10:58: Dr. Popovian sheds light on the critical role of patient self-advocacy in navigating a health care system dominated by PBMs and insurers, stressing the importance of patient education and legislative support to safeguard patient rights

12:08: Ben lists a series of tips on navigating health information on social media, emphasizing critical thinking and the importance of sourcing information from credible and knowledgeable sources

14:03: Dr. Popovian shares some final thoughts

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: rpopovian@ghlf.org

Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: bblanc@ghlf.org

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

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