The Chronic Care Policy Alliance (CCPA) is a proud partner of the All Copays Count Coalition (ACCC), which has just launched its NEW website, www.allcopayscount.org. ACCC comprises more than 80 national non-profit, non-partisan patient advocacy and provider organizations representing millions of people living with serious, complex, chronic illness. The website will help educate state and federal legislators and policymakers about the harmful and expensive health insurers’ and pharmacy benefit managers’ programs regarding copay accumulators and maximizers.
With higher and higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, many patients need financial help from drug companies and other third parties such as religious institutions, family and friends. Unfortunately, many insurers are taking the assistance intended for patients. They have stopped counting the amount provided by copay assistance programs toward a patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Leaving the patients still owning the same amount they did before giving the insurers their third party gifted funds. This policy is referred to as a “Copay Accumulator Adjustment” program.
ACCC was formed to represent and fight for patients to have such draconian programs banned. Fourteen states have enacted laws banning accumulators. Two states are awaiting Governor signatures. Legislation has been introduced in Congress.
The new website will be a huge resource for up-to-date information on what is happening and the progress of ACCC’s fight for patients. It is intended to inform and engage the policy community regarding copay accumulators and the harmful impact they have on patients with serious, chronic health conditions. The site features:
- Patient and Advocate Perspectives
- Educational Resources with Patient Impact Infographic, and HELP Copays Act One-Pager
- An Interactive Map of State Legislation Against Accumulators
- News from the Coalition
- An Action Center
The ACCC website will be a one-stop shop for information on making sure that all copays count toward a patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket costs. It’s time to ban insurers and PBMs from pocketing funds intended for a patient’s benefit.
Make sure you share this website with your colleagues, fellow patients, families, and friends!!