TL/DR –
Guidehouse’s 2026 Patient Support Programs Trends report shows that pharmaceutical patient support programs are changing due to affordability issues, regulatory alterations, and varying AI technology adoption. The report also reveals a 23-point decrease in manufacturers using third-party hub services as they bring operations in-house for better patient data and journey management. The report found that copay assistance programs were most used at 80%, followed by patient affordability programs at 71%, and dedicated account support at 69%.
“`html
Guidehouse Report: Trends in Patient Support Programs by 2026
In a new report by Guidehouse, it has been revealed that the future of pharmaceutical patient support programs is being shaped by factors such as affordability issues, regulatory changes, and an uneven adoption rate of AI technology. An interesting trend the report notes is a marked decrease of 23 points in the use of third-party hub services by manufacturers, showing a preference for bringing operations in-house to have better control over patient data and management of their journeys.
Key Findings of the Annual Report
Highlighting the annual trends in the implementation and use of patient support programs, the report found that the most popular programs are copay assistance programs, with an 80% usage rate. Patient affordability programs and dedicated account support follow closely, with usage rates at 71% and 69% respectively.
Preparedness for Regulatory Changes
Regulatory changes, particularly those stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act, are causing some uncertainty in the industry. The report revealed that only 14% of pharmaceutical executives who participated in the survey felt very prepared to adapt their affordability programs to accommodate new policies. These policies include setting prices for Medicare and implementing caps on out-of-pocket spending.
Concerns about Copay Accumulator and Maximizer Programs
Furthermore, the report indicated concerns about copay accumulator and maximizer programs, with 65% of industry leaders citing operational bottlenecks in the patient journey as a result.
Looking Ahead: AI and Automation
Pharmaceutical leaders see the future in AI and automation solutions, particularly for reimbursement support. Services such as prior authorization and benefits verification were identified as the most impactful tools for improving experiences for both patients and providers.
“`
—
Read More US Economic News