By Julia Vann
A new potentially life-saving drug has been developed for reducing cholesterol. The problem? Insurance companies are still hesitant about covering it.
According to CNBC, the new class of drugs, PCSK9 inhibitors, have been linked to not only reduced cholesterol, but also reduced risk of both heart attack and strokes. For patients suffering from diseases such as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (F.H.), which increases cholesterol and causes heart attacks from a young age, this new drug should be a godsend. Yet for many of them, the drug is impossible to access.
The FDA has already approved the drugs, but insurance providers are still hesitant due to the exorbitant prices.
The prices for PCSK9 inhibitors can go as high as $14,600 per year. Though prices can still be negotiated down, the base price is still nothing to scoff at. Due to the prices, insurance providers have been hesitant at best about providing the new drug for patients. While there is no denying the drug reduces cholesterol, insurance providers want more proof that it decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They want to know if it will save lives.
Additionally, insurance providers are waiting to see what new drugs come out in order to save money. The issue here is that while insurance providers drag their feet, patients are suffering. For patients with diseases like F.H., it’s only a matter of time before something happens. The longer they go without these life saving drugs, the more dangerous it becomes for them.
One can only hope insurance providers will come to their senses and put the price tag aside for the wellbeing of those in need.
For more recent healthcare news, visit the American Medical Compliance website.
