Most of us can’t really comprehend the magnitude of these numbers: $25 billion in one quarter, $30 billion in another. I’m talking about the skyrocketing profits of the insurance industry.
And although we all understand the need for these companies to return profits to their shareholders, the irony of their profits going up as affordability of health care goes down is not lost on those of us who work with patients each day.
Our organization, CancerCare, helps support cancer patients, their families and care partners throughout the entire cancer experience. As most people know, because they or a loved one have been impacted by cancer, the disease is all-encompassing and overwhelming.
The good news is that science continues to develop and evolve new therapies — for cancer and for other serious diseases — so patients have realistic shots at beating their diseases, but only when they have access to these new treatments. Frequently, we see insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers sabotaging patient access to treatment.
Continue reading at Morning Consult.
About the Author:
Patricia Goldsmith is CEO of CancerCare, the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer.