Semaglutide Accessibility and Affordability Discussed in Senate Hearing
The Role of PBMs in Drug Pricing
During the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing, high prices of semaglutide were scrutinized. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) were identified as significant contributors to rising drug costs, as Sen. Ted Budd noted that PBMs profit more from higher-priced medications. This structure results in higher out-of-pocket costs for patients, particularly those affected by obesity or diabetes.
Addressing Drug Affordability for Patients
The discussion underscored that nearly 1 in 3 Americans lives with obesity, stressing the urgency of making semaglutide drugs accessible. Senators emphasized that many patients, particularly from minority communities, struggle to afford essential medications, leading to severe health disparities. Sen. Bernie Sanders articulated the dire consequences of inaccessible lifesaving drugs, highlighting the need for reform.
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