PhRMA's Scott LaGanga discusses the expanding influence of state policymaking on drug pricing, PBM reform, and efforts to translate policy changes into lower out-of-pocket costs for patients.
In this episode of the Pharmaceutical Executive podcast, Scott LaGanga, executive vice president of state advocacy at the Parmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), shares why he believes state lawmakers are now at the leading edge of health policy advancement, moving faster than federal pursuits in such areas as pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, 340B pricing transparency, and patient affordability. Joining Mike Christel, group managing editor, MJH Life Sciences, LaGanga also explores the stakes heading into tomorrow’s U.S. midterm elections and that no matter who wins, the results will impact pharmaceutical pricing agendas in state capitals as much as in Washington.
Noting that more than 7,000 state legislative seats and 36 governorships are on the ballot, LeGanga explains why turnover in governors’ offices and state legislatures puts fresh urgency on educating policymakers about the pharmaceutical supply chain. He also considers how the presidential campaign cycle that follows could bring local health care access and affordability concerns further into the national debate.
The conversation examines PhRMA’s perspective on prescription drug affordability boards, federal pricing initiatives such as most-favored-nation (MFN), and the evolving role of PBMs, with LaGanga arguing that policy should be judged by what patients ultimately pay at the pharmacy counter. To that end, he discusses how pharma companies can strengthen state engagement by connecting medicine development and investment to the health and economic priorities of local communities.
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