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The PIPC Blog

PIPC Weekly Update: March 29, 2021

3/29/2021

 
Picture
In This Week's Issue

1. Senate HELP Committee Discusses International Pricing, Germany and Health Technology Assessment, see details below.
2. Inside Health Policy: PIPC Reminds Democrats They Promised Not to Use QALYs, click here to read the article (subscription required).
3. Patient and Disability Stakeholders Applaud the PCORI Board for Approving Principles for Considering the Full Range of Outcomes Data, click here to read the full statement.
4. National Health Council Statement on PCORI Guiding Principles, see details below.
5. CLOSING WEDNESDAY: PCORI Seeks Nominations for Advisory Panels, click here to learn more, submit a nomination, or apply to be on an advisory panel.
6. IVI Webinar Series: Toward Equity in Value Assessment, see details below.
7. Emerging Threats in States like CO, ND, and ME for Use of Discriminatory Metrics, see details below.
8. 2021 AUCD Virtual Gala, click here to learn more and register.
9. Vaccination Equity and Communication, see details below.
10. International News: What Happens in Countries Using QALYs and Cost-Based Thresholds to Determine Coverage? See below for more
11. ICER's QALY-Based Study Topics: Myasthenia Gravis, Atopic Dermatitis, Lupus Nephritis, Multiple Myeloma, Alzheimer's Disease, click here to provide patient input.
12. Upcoming Events and Webinars, see details below.
13. Medical Journal Articles, see details below.
14. AHRQ Effective Program Updates, see details below. 

​1. Senate HELP Committee Discusses International Pricing, Germany and Health Technology Assessment

Recently, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security held a hearing comparing drug pricing practices here in the U.S. and in other countries, including those that use health technology assessments based on discriminatory QALYs that can result in lower access for older people and people with disabilities. In addition, there was discussion of Germany's model for pricing new life-changing drugs, which one Senator pointed out to use a restrictive view of clinical benefit. Evidence has shown that 22 new medicines were withdrawn from the German market between 2011 and 2016 due to receiving unfavorable terms in the system. Furthermore, only 53 percent of new drugs launched globally between 2008 and 2012 were available in Germany in 2013. Click here to read PIPC's fact sheet on access concerns in the German system. Click here to view PIPC’s statement about PCORI’s work to collect and analyze a broad range of outcomes data that matter most to patients.

2. Inside Health Policy: PIPC Reminds Democrats They Promised Not to Use QALYs

In an article posted in advance of a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing comparing the U.S. prescription drug prices to those abroad, Inside Health Policy highlights that Democrats promised not to use discriminatory QALYs in their party platform. The article highlights PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho saying that the use of QALYs "devalues treatments for people with disabilities and the elderly who have fewer years to live." In addition, the article points out that the Congressional Budget Office relied heavily on ICER and its QALY-based analyses when evaluating House Democrats' signature drug pricing legislation from last year. Click here to read the article (subscription required).

3. Patient and Disability Stakeholders Applaud the PCORI Board for Approving Principles for Considering the Full Range of Outcomes Data

Patients and people with disabilities applauded that the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board of Governors approved principles guiding its work to consider the full range of outcomes data in its research.

With this move, PCORI will start the important process of identifying potential burdens and economic impacts important to healthcare stakeholders and undertake efforts to develop “methodological standards” that will more fully inform how PCORI-funded studies should consider and capture relevant economic and cost data in the conduct of their research. Their collaborative and transparent process will benefit the entire field of comparative effectiveness research and inform efforts to address high costs and achieve value in a manner that is centered on patients and people with disabilities.
​
PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho stated, “Finally, an independent and credible entity will be working with patients and people with disabilities to capture data on the economic and cost outcomes that matter to them. By undertaking this much-needed and long overdue work, PCORI will empower health stakeholders to translate evidence into better decisions that drive better health, without discriminating against our most vulnerable citizens. I have always said that PCORI is a key player in advancing patient-centered solutions to achieving affordability and value. I am excited to see PCORI stepping up to take a leadership role in this discussion.”

Click here to read the full statement.

4. National Health Council Statement on PCORI Guiding Principles

The National Health Council (NHC) also applauded the PCORI Board of Governors approving guiding principles ensuring that the full range of burdens and economic impacts on patients is considered in PCORI-funded research. "We are proud to have worked with Congress to include this provision in the PCORI reauthorization bill, directing PCORI-funded researchers to produce more holistic evidence relevant to patient decision making," NHC said. "This is something our experience shows is critical to patients. We look forward to helping PCORI put these principles into action, develop needed methods, and ultimately help people with chronic diseases and disabilities achieve the outcomes that are meaningful to them."

5. CLOSING WEDNESDAY: PCORI Seeks Nominations for Advisory Panels

PCORI is currently seeking nominations for appointments to its advisory panels. The advisory panels must include patients or patient advocates. PCORI's staff, board, and methodology committee take advisory panels' recommendations into account when making decisions and determinations. PIPC encourages patients and patient advocates to submit nominations to serve on PCORI's advisory panels, including on the Advisory Panel on Clinical Effectiveness and Decision Science, Advisory Panel on Patient Engagement, and Advisory Panel on Rare Disease. Nominations are open through THIS WEDNESDAY, March 31, 2020. Click here to learn more, submit a nomination, or apply to be on an advisory panel.

6. IVI Webinar Series: Toward Equity in Value Assessment

The Innovation and Value Initiative will host a series of three webinars, Toward Equity in Value Assessment. The series will kick off on April 22 with a session called "Meaningful Action Toward Health Equity," and will feature guests including the LUNGevity Foundation's VP of Reserach, Dr. Upal Basu Roy, and the National Minority Quality Forum's VP of Clinical & Social Research and Development, Dr. LaTasha Lee.

The next two sessions, "Methods in Value Assessment that Support Equity" and "Policy and Partnership Solutions to Create Enduring Progress," will have their dates announced soon.

Click here to register for the first session and to learn more.

7. Emerging Threats in States like CO, ND, and ME for Use of Discriminatory Metrics

Several states are considering policies that would reference entities such as the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), which calls the discriminatory quality-adjusted life year (QALY) the “gold standard” for value assessment or are considering policies to import QALY-based decisions from other countries. Yet, federal policymakers have emphasized that the use of discriminatory metrics is subject to civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. Click here to view the Value Our Health state template legislation that would protect people with disabilities and chronic conditions from the use of QALYs and similar metrics developed by third parties such as ICER in decisions related to reimbursement and coverage, as well as ensure their engagement in decision-making. Click here to view a one pager about the flaws in ICER’s methodology. Click here to view information from experts on the downside of referencing foreign countries. Click here to learn about statutory protections against use of QALYs.

North Dakota
North Dakota is currently considering a piece of legislation, SB 2170, which would import QALYs from Canada. The bill directly references the prices paid for drugs in five Canadian provinces. Before applying for coverage by the provinces, all drugs must complete a Common Drug Review by CADTH, which uses QALYs. The result of this is that in Canada is that many individuals living with disabilities are unable to receive the treatments and care they need. The National Council on Disability (NCD) warned in its 2019 report that similar coverage denials and loss of access to care could also be the outcome if the United States if we reference other countries. The NCD also highlighted in its report that Section 504 of the Rehab Act and Section 1557 of the ACA also apply to Medicaid programs because they receive federal financial assistance. Click here to view S.B. 2170. Click here to view the NCD report. Click here to view the NCD's recent letter to CMS against importing QALYs. S.B. 2170 narrowly passed by vote in the Senate on February, 19, 2021.

Colorado
The Colorado state legislature has introduced SB 21-175 creating a prescription drug affordability review board. In some states these types of boards and commissions have led to referencing value assessments based on QALYs from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). In Massachusetts, the Health Policy Commission went so far as to contract with ICER. An amendment to SB 21-175 was adopted that prohibits the use of QALYs in the section of the bill that determines an upper payment limit, but a similar amendment is needed in the sections establishing the commission’s authority to perform value assessments for treatments. The Value Our Health legislative template provides a path for states to simultaneously protect patients and people with disabilities by creating standards for the evidence that drives decision-making, assuring engagement of patient and disability stakeholders, and barring the use of QALYs and similar metrics.

Maine
Maine has introduced a bill, S.P. 262, which would rely solely on the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, ICER, to determine whether a price increases on certain therapies were supported by additional evidence. We remain concerned about states referencing ICER, particularly as a sole source of information, and will be watching developments in Maine closely. 
 
Connecticut
In good news, Connecticut has introduced the Value Our Health template legislative language! CT HB06242 "An Act Prohibiting Health Insurers From Using A Dollars-per-quality Adjusted Life Year Or Any Similar Measure As A Threshold” was introduced by Representative Michelle Cook. Please share the great news with advocates in Connecticut that may have interest in being supportive! Click here to view the bill.

8. 2021 AUCD Virtual Gala

Join AUCD on April 14, 2021 for its AUCD for All Virtual Gala. This year’s Gala is free for everyone to attend and in a virtual, accessible format. This year’s theme is Celebrating 50 Years of Leadership: Looking Back, Moving Forward in recognition of AUCD’s 50th Anniversary. During the Gala, AUCD will reflect on its past accomplishments while amplifying the voices of current and future leaders in the disability community. Click here to learn more and register.

9. Vaccination Equity and Communication

There is critical ongoing work to assure equity in the prioritization of vaccinations, as well as communication to address reluctance and ensure access to information and systems. PIPC Steering member the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) aggregated the following resources that we wanted to share: 
  • Elevated COVID-19 Mortality Risk Among Recipients of Home and Community-Based Services: A Case for Prioritizing Vaccination for This Population 
  • National Council on Disability letter to Governors Association 
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Dashboard
  • Measuring the impact of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on vaccination intent in the UK and USA
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Intent, Perceptions, and Reasons for Not Vaccinating Among Groups Prioritized for Early Vaccination — United States, September and December 2020 
  • KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor: What Do We Know About Those Who Want to “Wait and See” Before Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine? 


10. International News: What Happens in Countries Using QALYs and Cost-Based Thresholds to Determine Coverage?
 
Other countries are often referenced as examples of how the use of QALYs or similar cost-based thresholds impact access to care.
  • Canada: Cystic fibrosis community sends video to Premier Doug Ford in hopes of getting access to life-saving drugs. Family has been fighting for two years to get son access to life-changing spinal muscular atrophy treatment.

  • New Zealand: Pharmac making high-stakes calls that have a "devastating" impact, such as switching an epilepsy drug.

  • United Kingdom: PKU drug may be offered on NHS, but will be restricted to children for "cost-effectiveness reasons," leaving adults with no options.


11. ICER's QALY-Based Study Topics: Atopic Dermatitis, Lupus Nephritis, Multiple Myeloma, Alzheimer's Disease

The Institute for Clinical Economic Review (ICER) conducts cost effectiveness studies for insurers using the cost-per-QALY methodology. ICER provides guidance on its website for patients and patient advocates to provide direct input related to their experiences with the disease. Click here to provide patient input. Click here to view the topics and deadlines.
  • Myasthenia Gravis: Draft Scoping Document available, Comment Period OPEN through 4/2/2021. Meeting 9/24/2021: New England CEPAC will deliberate and vote on evidence presented in ICER’s report on therapies for myasthenia gravis.

  • Atopic Dermatitis: Model Analysis Plan available. 5/14/2021: Draft Evidence Report. Meeting 7/23/2021: An assessment of treatments for atopic dermatitis by the New England CEPAC.

  • Lupus Nephritis: Meeting 3/26/2021: New England CEPAC convened to deliberate and vote on evidence presented in ICER's report on treatments for lupus nephritis. 4/16/2021: Final Evidence Report.

  • Multiple Myeloma: Draft Evidence Report available. 4/2/2021: Evidence Report and Responses to Public Comments. Meeting 4/16/2021.

  • Alzheimer's Disease: Model Analysis Plan available. 5/5/2021: Draft Evidence Report.


12. Upcoming Events and Webinars 

PCORI Board of Governors Meeting
April 13, 2021
Click here to view.

AI, Big Data and Deep Real-World Evidence – The Challenges and Opportunities
April 22, 2021
Click here to view.

PCORI Advisory Panel on Patient Engagement Summer 2021 Meeting
July 15-16, 2021
Click here to view.

13. Medical Journal Articles

The Dollar or Disease Burden: Caps on Healthcare Spending May Save Money, but at What “Cost” to Patients?, click here to view.

Embedding Clinical Trials Within Routine Health-Care Delivery: Challenges and Opportunities, click here to view.

Approval and Coverage of Cancer Drugs in England, Canada, and the US, click here to view.

Experiences of an HCV Patient Engagement Group: A Seven-Year Journey, click here to view.

Choosing Important Health Outcomes for Comparative Effectiveness Research: 6th Annual Update to a Systematic Review of Core Outcome Sets for Research, click here to view.

Health Technology Assessment With Diminishing Returns to Health: The Generalized Risk-Adjusted Cost-Effectiveness (GRACE) Approach, click here to view.

Comparative Effectiveness Research Needs to Consider Optimal Dosing and Scheduling, click here to view.

Are Patients More Adherent to Newer Drugs?, click here to view.

Improving the Quality of Person-Centred Healthcare from the Patient Perspective: Development of Person-Centred Quality Indicators, click here to view.

Six Ways to Foster Community-Engaged Research During Times of Societal Crises, click here to view.

14. AHRQ Effective Program Updates

OPEN FOR COMMENT THROUGH APRIL 21, 2021: Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Click here to view.

Systematic Review: Cervical Ripening in the Outpatient Setting. Click here to view.

Surveillance Report: Living Systematic Review on Cannabis and Other Plant-Based Treatments for Chronic Pain. Click here to view.

Rapid Evidence Review: Antibody Response Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Implications for Immunity. Click here to view.

White Paper: Standardized Library of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Outcome Measures. Click here to view.

Research Report: A Prospective Comparison of Evidence Synthesis Search Strategies Developed With and Without Text-Mining Tools. Click here to view.

Technical Brief: Disparities and Barriers to Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Care. Click here to view.

Technical Brief: Automated-Entry Patient-Generated Health Data for Chronic Conditions: The Evidence on Health Outcomes. Click here to view.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION OPEN UNTIL APRIL 16, 2021: Use of Clinical Algorithms That Have the Potential To Introduce Racial/Ethnic Bias Into Healthcare Delivery. Click here to view.

Systematic Review: Integrating Palliative Care in Ambulatory Care of Noncancer Serious Chronic Illness. Click here to view.

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