"The United States' commercial medical insurance system creates numerous obstacles in the drug supply chain. For example, there's prior authorization. Before a doctor can prescribe certain expensive drugs, they must apply to the insurance company and only get reimbursed after approval."
"There's also step therapy, which forces patients to first try cheaper generic drugs. Only after those prove ineffective can they upgrade to brand-name drugs. There are even strict quantity limits."
"These practices mean many patients with chronic illnesses can't get their full monthly supply of necessary medication at the insured price."
"That's why they choose to join the Mutual Aid Alliance. Our barrier to entry is low, and we bypass the cumbersome review process of pharmacy benefit managers. For them, this is an irresistible appeal when it comes to buying medicine."
