Il tempo di un aiuto sanitario cruciale per i neo-messicani scade.
Rural residents of New Mexico, many of whom are elderly or immune-compromised, often face the challenging task of traveling for hours each week to receive treatments. This is particularly true for those diagnosed with cancer and other serious illnesses, as tens of thousands of New Mexicans are diagnosed with these conditions every year.
The Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act aims to address this issue. This legislation would allow patients to continue receiving care without having to travel longer distances or pay higher prices. The act is a common-sense solution that preserves access to essential treatments, especially for seniors who mostly rely on Medicare to access advanced therapies for their illnesses.
Medicare Part B covers more complex drugs, such as chemotherapies that must be administered through an IV in a clinical setting. However, a recent study found that medical providers nationwide could lose up to $37 billion in total over five years due to falling Part B reimbursements. This could potentially lead to clinic closures, affecting New Mexico's rural population disproportionately.
The Protecting Patient Access Act offers a solution to this problem. It ensures the financial stability of physicians and infusion clinics by guaranteeing fair reimbursement for the drugs they use to treat patients. Under the act, drug manufacturers would issue rebates to the government for the difference between the negotiated Medicare price and the average sales price.
Moreover, the act could save taxpayers an estimated $3.3 billion over the next decade. This is because doctors and infusion centers buy these drugs upfront and use them to treat patients. Currently, Medicare reimburses physicians for the average sales price of the medicines, plus a 6% add-on to cover overhead costs. However, starting in 2028, the Inflation Reduction Act will allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers. Under the Protecting Patient Access Act, physicians and infusion centers would still receive the 6% add-on, but for the lower negotiated price of the drug.
The Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act deserves the full-throated support of New Mexico's congressional delegation. It is a crucial step forward in ensuring that rural patients have access to the treatments they need, without undue financial burden or long travel times. The act could also prevent clinic closures, ensuring that New Mexico's healthcare system remains robust and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
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