Maximizing Health: Pharmacy Benefits Essential for All, Urges Hobbs
TL/DR –
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs aims to limit pharmacy benefit options, despite her support of affordable healthcare for small businesses, causing concern over potential increased costs for Arizonans. A poll showed 68% of voters would prefer to use a specific pharmacy for discounted prescription drugs, a benefit provided by pharmacy benefit managers who negotiate lower costs. The authors argue that limiting pharmacy benefits would increase costs for small businesses, which are vital to Arizona’s economy and hope that Hobbs and other legislators reject such proposals.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’ Health Care Proposals Stir Controversy
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’ dedication to affordable health care, especially for small businesses, has always been evident. Her initiative has been beneficial in facilitating access to affordable health care and prescription drugs, critical factors for business growth, family wellbeing, and overall economic prosperity.
However, in her recent State of the State address, Hobbs announced a plan to limit pharmacy benefit options, a move that could potentially impact the health outcomes and financial state of small businesses and patients. This announcement has raised eyebrows, particularly considering her vocal support for small businesses and working families.
The struggle of small businesses to provide affordable health care is a common complaint, and recent polls by Noble Public Insights reinforce this, showing that 53% of Arizona voters have experienced increased health care costs. With Arizona residents grappling with higher health care costs, any proposal that could possibly escalate these costs is of concern.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) offer a solution to this problem by effectively negotiating with pharmacies to dispense medications at lower costs. These savings are then transferred to employees in the form of reduced insurance premiums or lower copays. Limiting these benefits could lead to increased health care costs, a move that is not only misguided but also unpopular, with 60% of Arizona voters less likely to support a lawmaker restricting discounted prescription options.
Small businesses, which form the backbone of Arizona’s economy, employing over 1.1 million people and constituting more than 40% of all Arizona’s employees, stand to suffer the most from such changes. To remain competitive, these establishments need to maintain low operational costs, including providing affordable health care and pharmacy benefits to their employees.
As the year progresses, it’s important that Hobbs and the legislators support small businesses and hardworking Arizona families by rejecting proposals that could limit pharmacy benefits and increase health care costs.
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