Policy Ideas, Evidence, and the Struggle to Make MS Medications Affordable

• In Event: Affordability of Healthcare: Perceptions and Policy Responses

Abstract

There is no cure, but for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapy offers a path to slowing the progression of the disease, often for decades. There are multiple medications available in the market, but all are very expensive and must be taken continuously. On a per year basis they are among the most expensive drugs with annual costs approaching $100,000.

This paper will explore and analyze the policy ideas associated with legislation that a has been proposed to mitigate the general problem of high prescription drug costs. Social science research will be reviewed to evaluate the likely efficacy of various policy ideas to achieve the goal of more affordable and accessible medications.

The specific focus on the paper will be on cost and accessibility of disease modifying therapies for individuals living with MS. The enactment of public policies to enhance the affordability and accessibility of medications has been a high legislative priority for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). Since legislation unique to MS medications is unlikely, the MMSS public policy strategy has been to participate in a coalition with other groups seeking to control the cost of prescription drugs. This requires the identification of policy ideas that will be beneficial for its specific clients as well as have a broad enough application to gain support from a majority legislative coalition. At the current time, concern with prescription drug cost escalation renders this issue one in which a bipartisan approach is feasible.

The author is currently serving as Chairperson of the NMSS Activism Advisory Committee, which identifies public policy priorities and engages in advocacy activities on their behalf. Research for the paper will include interviews with key staff participants involved in the NMSS advocacy effort.

Author

• James M. Brasfield, Webster University