Hi Everyone! I have 3 calls to action for our supporters. Sharing your story and experiences can create change and save lives.
First, have you read the article released next week in the New York times that has the lobbyists for Optum RX, Express Scripts, & CVS Caremark in an uproar? If not, here is the link. Many of our supporters of this petition spoke to the reporter. Thank you all so much!
I have great news! Rebecca Robbins from The New York Times will be making this a series and will share more stories from patients experiencing issues of mail order pharmacy delays, prior authorization issues, lack of temperature control, or the lack of accessing medications in any way.
Many don't realize that the same mail order pharmacies that patients are forced to or steered to also manage the pharmacy benefits for insurance companies. They are called pharmacy benefit managers or PBMs. The largest three are Optum Rx, CVS Caremark, & Express Scripts.
Call to Action #1
If you are being denied or being price gouged for your medications, please share your story. If you can no longer access your medication easily and safely, because you're forced to mail order pharmacy, please share your story. If your local pharmacy has closed due to these monopolistic practices, please share your story. Here is the link to share your story. Please share it with everyone that you know who may be having issues accessing medications.
Call to Action #2
Another New York Times Reporter is accepting stories of patients that have realized that medications may not as effective due to improper temperature storage. Even room temperature medications that are being shipped in only bags have limits. Mail order pharmacy is unregulated, so the mail order pharmacies are still mostly shipping these medications in only bags. You can email her your story here: emily.baumgaertner@nytimes.com
Call to Action #3
Someone who has a platform to help us ensure safe packaging and shipping of medications is requesting photos of packaging used by mail order pharmacies for all medications refrigerated and room temperature medications. Please include photos of the plastic bags or foam coolers. If possible include tracking information and note if the medications were shipped with a foam cooler. You can remove any names or personally identifiable information. Please share the information that you feel comfortable providing. Email these photos to Loretta@UniteForSafeMeds.com
Share this with everyone you know. Encourage others to be brave and help create the change that we need to save lives.
Thank you for your support,
Loretta Boesing, Patient Advocate
Contact me: Loretta@uniteforsafemeds.com
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