
Novus Public Affairs Launches PBM Accountability Project New Hampshire
CHALLENGE
The Novus team launched the PBM Accountability Project of New Hampshire to help ensure Granite Staters pay no more than is necessary for prescription medicines. Planned Benefit Managers (PBMs) are companies that manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers.
Novus developed a coalition of business, labor and civic leaders, as well as, consumer and patient advocates to educate the public and the state legislature about the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers — or “PBMs” — in escalating the cost of prescription medicines. The coalition offered solutions to create a more competitive marketplace creating significant cost savings to patients, employee health plans, and the state government.
SOLUTION
Novus secured two well-known mayors to co-host the coalition launch event at the Legislative Office Building in Concord along with thirteen well-respected partners representing labor organizations, businesses, patient advocates, pharmacists, and municipalities. The event received major statewide media coverage by print, television and online outlets. Novus amplified the positive coverage through digital and print platforms.
Novus mobilized a diverse group of advocates to support legislation, including the state’s largest think-tank, that would require PBMs to operate with greater transparency to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Advocate voices were reinforced through economic studies, Op Eds and Letters-to-the-Editor, media stories and paid digital advertising.
RESULTS
On July 16, 2020, Governor Sununu signed HB 1280 that establishes the Affordability Board and Drug Price Transparency which will save the state $22 million dollars by creating a transparent, competitive marketplace for pricing of prescription drug offered by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
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