New Legislation Poised to Drive Up Prescription Drug Costs

Bonnie Shimko, a staff pharmacist at a CVS Specialty pharmacy in Phoenix, reflects on her unexpected journey into the pharmacy profession, a path inspired by her husband during their college years. Initially uncertain about her career, she found fulfillment by merging her scientific interests with a desire to positively impact patients’ lives.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Shimko oversees a team of three technicians dedicated to ensuring that patients with autoimmune conditions receive necessary medications. She highlights the crucial role pharmacy teams play in facilitating access to effective treatments. However, Shimko expresses concern about potential legislation in Arizona that could disrupt the patient-pharmacist relationship, ultimately making therapies less accessible and more expensive.

Patients like Claire, who suffer from conditions such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, often face challenges in managing their treatment. Many are apprehensive about self-administering injectable medications, making the pharmacist’s guidance essential. Shimko recalls working closely with Claire to develop a supportive medication regimen, which ultimately transformed Claire’s life. After successfully managing her symptoms, Claire expressed overwhelming gratitude, underscoring the importance of affordable and effective medical care.

The financial burden of medications weighs heavily on many patients. Shimko points to the staggering costs associated with injectable therapies, such as Otrexup, which can exceed $1,100 per month. In response, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark aim to keep these medicines affordable, but legislative changes may jeopardize that stability.

Currently, Arizona lawmakers are considering HB2208, which could negatively impact PBMs’ ability to negotiate prescription costs. The proposed legislation includes a new dispensing fee that would add $10.11 to the cost of each prescription, a fee that could ultimately burden patients at the pharmacy counter. With rising living costs, even a small increase can determine whether patients opt to collect their medications.

Shimko’s commitment to her patients drives her opposition to legislation that could hinder access to affordable medications. She urges Arizona legislators to reconsider their approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining affordable healthcare options for residents who depend on them. As a dedicated pharmacist, her priority remains clear: to ensure patients like Claire have the medications they need without being forced to compromise on their health and quality of life.

Bonnie Shimko is a CVS Specialty pharmacist in Phoenix.