Non-Medical Switching
Non-medical switching is a practice by which a health plan or pharmacy benefit manager, rather than a doctor, changes a stable patient’s medication purely for cost reasons. This practice is especially dangerous for heart patients: Medications like blood thinners aren’t interchangeable, even when they’re grouped in the same drug class — they can differ in dosing, absorption and interactions with other drugs.
The Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health believes patients and their doctors—not health plans—should decide which treatment options work best. Learn more about non-medical switching below.
Blogs
The Costly Side Effects of Switching Heart Patients’ Medications
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States. But patients who rely on specialty medications to keep their heart conditions under control now routinely see their care interrupted by insurance requirements. One common practice is known as non-medical switching.
When Insurers Push Heart Patients off Their Medication
Finding the right medication for a heart condition can be tricky and time-consuming. So what happens when the insurance company then compels patients to switch?
CVS Caremark "Switch" Puts Heart Patients at Risk
Millions of people susceptible to blood clots started 2022 at higher risk of stroke. Why? Their health plan’s pharmacy benefit manager decided to stop covering their blood thinner.
Insurers are Deepening America's Cardiovascular Epidemic
Every new COVID-19 variant reignites fears of untimely deaths. Yet heart disease continues to kill more people than the coronavirus every single year.
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You Decide
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Is Your Insurance Company Making Medical Decisions for You?
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You Know the Difference
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No Big Deal
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What's the Big Deal About Cardiovascular Disease?
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Papers
Non-Medical Switching and Cardiovascular Health
As Americans come to terms with the more than half a million victims of COVID-19, many overlook a startling fact. Cardiovascular disease exacts an even larger toll on public health every year.
Videos
Non-Medical Switching: No Big Deal?
When your health plan switches your heart medication, it IS a big deal.