Non-Medical Switching
Non-medical switching is a strategy that health plans use to control costs and maximize profits by forcing stable patients to switch from current and effective treatments to drugs that may not be as effective for reasons unrelated to health.
AiArthritis Position Statement On Non-Medical Switching
Position Statement. NEED FROM MARK
Patient Written Glossary of Terms
Frequently, everyday terms when navigating a diagnosis of an AiArthritis Disease—such as "payer"—can lead to confusion. Therefore, we have developed a glossary to assist!
Discover Patient Journeys With Non-Medical Switching In Our Video Library!
The Patient-Instructed Video Library
The Patient-Instructed Video Library was created to help our community gain a deeper understanding of critical issues that affect access to health care. The goals of this initiative are to educate, inspire fellow patients to share their experiences, and empower our community to take action in addressing access-related challenges.
What is Non-Medical Switching? (Michael's Perspective)
Michael, a Volunteer Program Coordinator for AiArthritis and a Psoriatic Arthritis patient, explains non-medical switching. This happens when insurers or pharmacies change your medication or dosage without your doctor’s input to save costs. Such changes can disrupt treatment, making it essential to understand non-medical switching. Watch the next video to learn more about its significance.
Non-Medical Switching - Why Should Patients Care? (Michael's Perspective)
Michael discusses the effects of non-medical switching for those with AiArthritis. Insurance companies may switch to a biosimilar for cost savings without consulting your doctor, potentially disrupting treatment and rendering the original drug ineffective upon resuming. He emphasizes the importance of staying informed and communicating with your doctor about any changes.
Non-Medical Switching - Why Should Patients Care? (Ray's Perspective)
Ray, a patient advocate with psoriatic arthritis, emphasizes the effects of non-medical switching on treatment. While doctors adjust medications based on history, insurers prioritize cost savings. Switching small molecule drugs may be manageable, but changing biologics is more complex for autoimmune patients. He argues treatment decisions should rest with patients and doctors, highlighting legislation to protect against profit-driven non-medical switching.
Non-Medical Switching Patient Story: Deb's Perspective
Deb, a volunteer with AiArthritis and a person living with rheumatoid arthritis, shares her experience with non-medical switching. After starting a new treatment, Deb discovered she'd been switched to a biosimilar without her knowledge. Deb emphasizes the importance of transparency and being informed about the medications being administered. While Deb isn't against biosimilars, she believes patients should be properly notified about changes in their treatment.
Non-Medical Switching Patient Story: Lisa's Perspective
Lisa, a volunteer with rheumatoid arthritis, shares her experience after an insurance change. Stable on Enbrel, her insurer attempted to switch her to a Humira biosimilar that had previously caused an allergic reaction. She emphasizes the importance of patient involvement in treatment decisions and warns that changes without her rheumatologist's input can jeopardize care. Lisa advocates for improved communication and support for effective medications.
Non-Medical Switching Patient Story: Leila's Perspective
Leila, Health Education Manager at AiArthritis and a lupus and Sjögren's disease patient, shares her experience with non-medical switching. After ten years on Benlysta, insurance changes forced her back to subcutaneous injections, affecting her quality of life. She highlights the need for clear communication and patient advocacy, urging that patients be informed and supported during treatment.
Learn More By Exploring Our Video Library
Did you know that access to healthcare and treatments is frequently tied to policies like government healthcare systems and insurance companies? Recognizing these influences and sharing YOUR experiences with legislators to illustrate the need for policy change is crucial!
Share Your Non-Medical Switching Experience
Would you share your experience with us? We’d like to hear how you navigated challenges in obtaining healthcare or treatments. What obstacles did you face, and how have they shaped your journey? Your insights could be invaluable to others in similar situations.
Class Is In Session! Non-Medical Switching
About The Classroom: Lead instructors, including our CEO Tiffany, who has non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and is a former award-winning college instructor, will collaborate with Class Discussion Leaders living with our diseases to host engaging webinars and AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show segments.
Non-Medical Switching (NMS) Non-medical switching is a strategy that health insurers use to control their costs and maximize profits by forcing stable patients to switch from their current, effective medications to drugs that may not be as effective, for reasons unrelated to health.
How To Get More Involved!
Ready to deepen your involvement? Share experiences to support our fight for change with AiArthritis—join us for co-writing letters, virtual Field Trips, or become an inaugural AiAdvocate in our policy leadership program!
Join the Knowledge = Empowerment Program
A virtual, patient-led classroom approach designed to help patients understand legislative issues affecting treatment access and connect them with opportunities to advocate for change.
#WTHellth?!
Share your frustrations with the healthcare system using #WTHellth. Prefer privacy? Submit a written rant anonymously through AiArthritis’ RANT! program, selecting the #WTHellth category.
