The rising costs of prescription medications is one of the most pressing issues in health care today. This spring, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a 44-page plan to tackle the issue, called “American Patients First.”

U.S. Pain Foundation was one of hundreds of patient organizations to weigh in on the plan in advance of a July 16 public comment deadline. U.S. Pain signed on to several group letters, including letters from the “I am essential” coalition, the Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions, and the Part B Access for Seniors and Physicians Coalition.“To ensure individuals living with chronic pain are given the chance to receive quality health insurance coverage at an affordable rate, it’s imperative that we take these opportunities to represent the patient voice,” says Shaina Smith, Director of State Advocacy and Alliance Development. “Letters that we have signed on to focus on the significant need to access prescription therapies without passing the buck to those with chronic illness.”

HHS received over 2,300 comments in relation to the American Patients First blueprint, including over 1,900 public submissions. Public submissions and additional details regarding the plan can be found here.