ACCESS TO MEDICINES

To raise awareness that lack of access to medications in clinical practice negatively impacts healthcare outcomes; further,

To recognize the impact of social determinants of health on patient outcomes; further,

To advocate for drug availability, drug pricing structures, pricing transparency, and insurance coverage determinations that promote fair access to medications; further,

To advocate that the pharmacy workforce identify and address risks and vulnerabilities to access as part of comprehensive medication management services; further,

To advocate for resources, including technology, that improve access to care for all populations where pharmacy access is limited; further,

To encourage the pharmacy workforce to identify and mitigate biases in healthcare decision-making that compromise access to medications.

Rationale

Barriers contributing to the lack of access to medications include decreased access to care, increased costs of care, and differences in care based on provider bias. Decreased access to care may be due to insufficient prescription drug coverage or residing in a pharmacy desert. The current trends in the price of prescription drugs, combined with lack of insurance or underinsurance, results in lower use of prescribed medications and nonadherence. Ensuring that all individuals have access to the highest quality medications required to meet their needs will require a multifaceted approach.