New medicines are an integral part of our health care system and can help patients live longer, healthier lives. Patient access to the medicines they need is critical both for individuals and for our health care system more broadly. In the United States, patients can access medicines a number of ways, including through employer-sponsored health plan, a health insurance exchange plan or a program like Medicare or Medicaid.

Today, Americans have faster access to more medicines than anywhere else in the world and doctors and patients work together to decide which medicine is right for them. That’s because the United States has a research ecosystem system that fosters and supports medical innovation, as well as a competitive, market-based approach that is used to determine the value of medicines and keep prices down. Unfortunately, some policymakers are considering government price-setting proposals that could significantly reduce the medicines available to patients now and in the future.

• What is Government Price Setting?
• How Will International Reference Pricing Affect You?
• Lessons Learned from Europe: Price Setting Policies Erode Biopharmaceutical Leadership
• International Reference Pricing Outsources Decisions About Americans’ Medicines and Health

Learn more about access to medicines in the United States, as well as the Medicine Assistance Tool which helps those struggling to afford their medicines find and learn about various programs that may be available to make prescription medicines more affordable for them, their loved ones or their patients.