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With the intention of maximizing insurance profits, non-medical switching actually increases the clinical and financial burden of disease for patients and the healthcare system overall.

NICA's Concerns with Cigna's "Shared Savings Program"

(July 23, 2021) NICA has yet again received concerned reports from providers regarding Cigna’s “Shared Savings Program.”  The policy informed infusion providers that Cigna is offering $500 debit cards to patients who switch from Remicade to a preferred alternative, either Avsola or Inflectra.

NICA has always held that non-medical switching is a dangerous practice that devalues a provider’s medical expertise, and with the addition of a financial payment, NICA is deeply concerned with how this policy will impact health outcomes, quality of life, and non-drug healthcare consumption.

NICA Letter to Cigna

In this letter to Cigna’s Chief Medical Officer, we express our concerns with Cigna’s “Shared Savings Program”, outline the dangers of switching stable patients off their medication, and urge Cigna to consider alternative options to lower drug spend.

UHC Non-Medical Switching

(January 20, 2021) NICA and Infusion Access Foundation (IAF) have received reports from concerned providers and patients regarding UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) decision to remove Remicade and Renflexis from the preferred agent list starting February 1, 2021. As it stands, this policy
would require UHC-insured patients receiving Remicade or Renflexis treatment to change their therapy to UHC’s “preferred infliximab products” (Inflectra or Avsola), regardless of how long they have been stable on their prescribed medication.

This dangerous practice of non-medical switching devalues member and provider choice with harmful effects.

Take a stand.

If you are worried about UHC’s harmful strategy and how it will affect your ability to treat your patients and their ability to manage disease, we encourage you to send a letter sharing your concerns.

We have set up a campaign with a general template letter but we encourage you to customize it. Sharing your story and/or explaining how this will directly affect your practice will help your letter have a greater impact.

Patients: Has your insurance company ever forced you to switch your medication to a “preferred drug"?

We have provided a template for contacting your representatives. Please be sure to personalize your letter. Thank you for taking action against this harmful practice!

NICA and IAF Letter to UHC

NICA and IAF explain the dangerous practice of non-medical switching and how it devalues member and provider choice with harmful effects.

Sample Letter from Patient to Elected Official

This sample letter is a guide, and the talking points provided are examples. Be sure to include your personal experiences to help your representative understand the way this impacts you.

Sample Letter from Provider to Elected Official

Providers: send a letter to your representative to express your concerns with non-medical switching.

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