Consumers for Quality Care Launches Campaign to Support Passage of the HELP Copays Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Consumers for Quality Care (CQC), a coalition of health care advocates and patient groups, released a new video highlighting how copay accumulator adjustment programs (CAAPs) can create a horror story for patients. The video, released in conjunction with the Halloween season, educates consumers about these harmful programs and urges Congress to pass the Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act to protect consumers from Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ (PBMs) predatory practices.

When PBMs and insurers institute CAAPs, they prevent the value of manufacturer cost sharing coupons to count towards patients’ deductibles, making life-saving medications often unattainable. When patients’ coupons run out, patients are left with unexpected amounts they cannot afford to pay when they try to access medication.

“CAAPs are growing in popularity, leading more and more patients to skip doses or ration their medication,” said CQC Board Member Jim Manley. “It’s a scary situation and a complex issue to understand. We hope this spooky video will encourage consumers to learn more about how these programs work against them so they can encourage their elected representatives to fight back and prohibit CAAPs.”

Introduced by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in the Senate and Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Nanette Barragán (D-CA) in the House of Representatives, this legislation would prohibit the use of CAAPs and require health plans and PBMs to count the value of copay assistance towards a patient’s cost-sharing requirements, preserving the original intent of the copay assistance program.

“By ensuring that copay assistance counts toward deductibles, the HELP Copays Act will go a long way toward improving health care accessibility and affordability, helping to ensure more patients do not have to forgo the treatment they need due to high cost,” said CQC Board Member Jim Manley. “We hope that this video will spur momentum for this important legislation to ensure that all Americans are able to access and afford life-saving care and medication.”