Last week, Gilead issued a statement that it is delaying a change to its Advancing Access® Patient Assistance/Medication Assistance Program (PAP/MAP) until January 1, 2022.
Gilead previously announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, pharmacies dispensing drugs to clients enrolled in the PAP/MAP would only be reimbursed for “the amount paid for each bottle plus a dispensing fee and an administrative fee.” This change would be devastating for providers that care for people living with HIV/AIDS because they rely on 340B savings generated through the PAP/MAP to provide necessary healthcare and case management services to their vulnerable patient population.
Advancing Access® is a PAP/MAP that helps eligible patients who need financial assistance with their co-pays for expensive HIV drugs manufactured by Gilead. Gilead attributes the delay to feedback from providers and community advocates, but states that “To ensure the sustainability of PAP/MAP, there will be no further delays to the update in the program model.” Gilead also states that will “consult and collaborate with policy experts and community representatives to identify how Gilead can help address … systemic barriers and further elevate HIV as a public health priority.”
