Trump Set to Force Drug Makers to Post Prices in Ads
Addressing the high cost of prescription medications has been an ongoing focus for the Trump administration. Its latest move, requiring drug companies to list their product’s market price on consumer ads, is an added level of transparency that didn’t exist before. Whether the decree will have an impact remains to be seen, but it may add some trust to the process.
Proponents hope it could keep creeping drug costs to a more reasonable pace. Opponents worry it may serve only to further confuse consumers. As the president’s blueprint to lower medication costs continues to unroll, Americans will be watching to see what further steps the administration takes. Affordability is a key component in the debate about access to quality health care, and ONS’s advocacy work brings the perspective of patients—and their oncology nurse—to the table.
States Act to Safeguard Young Cancer Patients’ Chances to Have Children
Fertility preservation is a concern among patients with cancer, especially in the adolescent and young adult population. In the face of a cancer diagnosis, patients may have difficulty considering many things beyond the immediate—including the possibility of children down the road. Recently, some states have enacted measures to help young patients with cancer preserve their chances of having children.
Treating a patient, attempting to save a life or keep quality of life at an optimal level, is usually top of mind for providers. Fertility preservation isn’t always covered by insurance, and the process can be daunting to patients. However, some states have passed new laws that require fertility preservation as a core component of cancer care in young patients. Oncology nurses play a unique role in patient-centered care and can advocate for their patients on a state, local, and federal level.
America Will Bring Its Healthcare Panic to the Polls
In neighborhoods, suburbs, and city streets across the country, health care is topping the list of political topics that people agree on. Amid high medication costs, limited access, and skyrocketing premiums, something must be done to curb the healthcare issues Americans face in their communities. In fact, health care is one of the top priorities for voters as the midterm elections approach.
Anxiety is high, and voters are worried about how healthcare economics will affect them and their families. As the direct point of contact for patients, nurses are acutely aware of the impact of soaring medical costs and financial toxicity. In fact, 42% of U.S. patients with cancer deplete their entire life’s assets within the first two years to pay for treatment. Access and affordability are crucially important to people, and it remains a key priority area for ONS advocacy efforts.