The poll found that 82% of Republicans, 92% of Democrats, and 91% of Independents polled supported legislation to limit nonmedical switching.
WPA Intelligence, a national polling organization, recently conducted a telephone poll among 500 likely Texas voters from August 27, 2018 to August 29, 2018 to determine the importance of a candidate’s views on nonmedical switching before casting a vote.
Nonmedical switching is used by insurers to limit prescribing to preferred medications. These changes to a patient’s medication—including, in some cases, a switch from a reference biologic to a biosimilar—can particularly impact patients with chronic conditions who are controlling their disease on a given regimen.
Learn more about nonmedical switching and biosimilars.
WPA Intelligence randomly selected a sample of likely voters from the Texas voter file using Proportionate Probability Sampling. Additionally, the sample for the survey was stratified based on geography, age, and gender.
The poll revealed that the majority of people want consistent health plan coverage for their prescription medications, and are in fact more likely to support legislators who will protect that coverage.
Specifically, the poll found that:
The report also noted that concerns about nonmedical switching were not limited to any specific party, as 82% of Republicans, 92% of Democrats, and 91% of Independents polled supported legislation to limit nonmedical switching.
Nonmedical switching has garnered more attention from legislators and voters alike as several states have enacted or are considering enacting laws to address the practice.
The most recent states to act against nonmedical switching include Maine, which in July passed a law that requires insurers to give 60 days’ notice to affected patients before changing its formulary, and notify patients of their right to request exemptions. Illinois passed a law just last month that similarly requires insurers notify patients and provide details about the exemption process.
Perceptions of Biosimilar Switching Among Veterans With IBD
December 2nd 2024Veterans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prioritize shared decision-making, transparency, and individualized care in biosimilar switching, favoring delayed switching for severe cases and greater patient control.
Biosimilars Policy Roundup for September 2024—Podcast Edition
October 6th 2024On this episode of Not So Different, we discuss the FDA's approval of a new biosimilar for treating retinal conditions, which took place in September 2024 alongside other major industry developments, including ongoing legal disputes and broader trends in market dynamics and regulatory challenges.
Boosting Health Care Sustainability: The Role of Biosimilars in Latin America
November 21st 2024Biosimilars could improve access to biologic treatments and health care sustainability in Latin America, but their adoption is hindered by misconceptions, regulatory gaps, and weak pharmacovigilance, requiring targeted education and stronger regulations.
Can Global Policies to Boost Biosimilar Adoption Work in the US?
November 17th 2024On this special episode of Not So Different honoring Global Biosimilars Week, Craig Burton, executive director of the Biosimilars Council, explores how global policies—from incentives to health equity strategies—could boost biosimilar adoption in the US.