Pharma's Patience Pays Off: Patient Advocates Are Powerful Allies in Part D

The pharmaceutical industry has long counted on patient advocates as allies in the FDA drug approval process. But their relationship on issues related to drug coverage has often been tense. The Medicare drug benefit has opened a new chapter in the relationship. Patient advocates have worked closely with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the early months of Part D, and they have had an impact. Industry's long-time effort to establish alliances is paying off.