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Unmasking the protein gap. Coming face-to-face with food insecurity in America [Infographic]

2020-10-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Hunger has reached new heights. During this critical time, 1 in 6 people could face hunger in 2020, according to Feeding America estimates. And protein is in short supply: With food banks seeking 140+ million pounds of protein this summer, the need is at an all-time high. To help address this protein gap, Incogmeato is donating $1 million worth of plant-based burgers to Feeding America. But we need your help. Head to Instagram to decide who makes the biggest food donation by an animal ever! Head to the Instagram pages of our spokesanimals @BuckleytheHighlandCow, @Prissy_Pig and @SammyChicken, to comment to cast your vote.


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5 Strategies for Managing Finances in Uncertain Times [Infographic]

2020-10-27T09:01:00

(BPT) – Even in ordinary times, managing finances is challenging. Since the pandemic, financial stressors have only been magnified. Job insecurity and increasing expenses are just two of many issues confronting American families. In honor of Financial Planning Month, read on for five strategies for managing your finances in uncertain times.


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Save money with these 3 holiday shopping hacks

2020-10-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday shopping season may look a little different this year, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of saving money. Whether you’re shopping online or in store, these tips can help you spend less and set you up for long-term financial success.

Know when to use credit or debit.

“The answer to this depends on your individual financial situation,” said Shazia Virji, Vice President at Credit Sesame. “Purchasing items with cash or a debit card can help prevent you from overspending or going deeper into debt, but paying with credit now allows you to save your cash for expenses that don’t allow you to pay with credit, like rent or loan payments.” If you have a credit card that offers reward programs, you may benefit from the additional points and discounts during the holiday shopping season. One of the potential downsides to using your credit is that you may rack up more debt. If you aren’t in a position to pay your entire balance each month, you’ll likely end up paying more in interest over time.

“Your cash and credit are intertwined when it comes to your overall financial health, so it’s important to find a balance between using the two,” said Virji. “In fact, Credit Sesame helps emphasize the relationship between the two by rewarding customers with cash rewards when they improve their credit score.”

Be aware of the downsides of retailer credit cards.

If you’ve shopped at a major retail chain or department store, you’ve likely been asked if you want to save 10 percent on your purchase by applying for their credit card. Before you apply for any credit card, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First, you should make sure that you could pay off the balance in a timely manner.

“Oftentimes, retailer credit cards have higher interest rates and could cost you more in the long run if you don’t pay them off in full,” said Virji. Another consideration is whether you’d benefit from the perks of having this store credit card. If this is a store you shop at frequently and would use the bonus points and discounts, then it may be a good option for you. It’s also important to keep in mind that applying for any credit card may temporarily lower your credit score with a hard inquiry.

Free shipping doesn’t always pay off.

You’ve found the exact gift you’re looking for online, and you’re ready to check out. Unfortunately, you’re about $15 short of the minimum total to qualify for free shipping.

“Don’t feel pressured to throw another item in your cart just to save $5.99 on shipping charges,” said Virji. “Chances are, you’ll end up spending more than you’d save in free shipping for something you didn’t need. If you’re shopping from multiple online stores, adding a few things here and there can really add up and blow your budget.” Instead, try to match up your shopping list to retailers offering promotions that don’t require a minimum purchase. Your credit or debit card may also provide exclusive discounts, like Credit Sesame’s Cash Back Offers, where you can receive up to 15 percent instant cash back from thousands of national and local retailers on qualifying purchases.

“Remember, you don’t need to jeopardize your financial health to show your loved ones that you care this holiday season,” said Virji. “By managing your cash and credit together and sticking to a budget, you can buy quality gifts and keep your debt at bay.”


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2020 Reveals the High Cost of Not Investing in Corporate Social Responsibility

2020-10-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – When the novel coronavirus outbreak impacted nearly every business across the globe, companies turned straight to their values to steer their response. A company’s mission and promise replaced the next product launch. Involvement in the community mattered more than the next earnings call. And how companies treated their employees superseded any other action.

Aflac recently released its 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report amid the pandemic to highlight how the company is creating a brighter future for its employees, customers, communities and stakeholders. The magnitude of the events of 2020 cast an even greater spotlight on a company’s purpose — the core values guiding its impact on the world. This is something Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Communications Officer Catherine Hernandez-Blades says represents a trend in corporate prioritization that focuses on the needs of stakeholders, particularly employees and those throughout communities at large, which continues to accelerate at a rapid pace.

“At Aflac, being an ethical company has always been the way we do business, but the spotlight has been magnified and proving it with action is more critical than ever,” Hernandez-Blades said. “Communicating with employees, consumers, investors and others about what you are doing as a company to address issues of concern is paramount. Our newly released CSR Report, along with our new, award-winning ESG Hub, does just that, featuring key areas in ethical responsibility, including governance, workplace, philanthropy and sustainability.”

In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, the quest for greater social justice in 2020 has fueled companies to reexamine their diversity, equity and inclusion strategies, and they might take a page from Aflac’s commitment to a diverse workforce. In 2019, Aflac U.S. hired 729 new employees who were 58% ethnic minorities and 65% women — an increase of 20% and 16%, respectively, in comparison to 2018. Sixty-four percent of Aflac’s board members are ethnic minorities or women. Aflac also spent $24.5 million with diverse suppliers in 2019 and achieved a 386% increase in working with veteran-owned businesses, a 9.4% increase with minority-owned businesses and a 5.2% increase in women-owned businesses in comparison to 2018.

Aflac’s CSR Report reveals the insurer’s long history of giving. To date, Aflac has contributed more than $150 million to support the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Additionally, Aflac has contributed nearly $22 million to organizations supporting minority causes and education such as the United Negro College Fund, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Girls Inc., Jack and Jill of America Inc., and United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley through 2019.

Most companies are likely reevaluating their CSR playbooks in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are tried-and-true approaches found in a tested CSR strategy that can inform next steps.

Visit Aflac.com/CSRReport to see the full 2019 Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility Report titled “Investing Today for a Better Tomorrow.”


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5 Affordable Anti-Aging Tips from a Celebrity Dermatologist

2020-10-26T17:43:00

(BPT) – With all the changes that have occurred this year, it’s not surprising that women everywhere have been reassessing their skincare routines. Spending more time at home has spurred a focus on overall skin health and rituals to smooth out lines and wrinkles — and they want convenient solutions that get the job done but don’t cost a fortune.

A new poll from RoC Skincare and Poshly surveyed 1,000 beauty shoppers to understand if women have shifted skincare habits since the pandemic. Results showed that while 71% had to make changes to their budget, they still want to maintain an effective routine.

Whether they are rethinking high-end anti-aging treatments, skipping in-office visits or simply being more conservative with spending, women are turning to options found right in the drugstore aisle: 1 in 4 reported they have stopped getting injectables or professional skincare treatments and started using retinol and drugstore products.

Fortunately, there are inexpensive practices and products out there like OTC retinol (a vitamin A derivative) that are effective at keeping skin looking bright, smooth and youthful, according to board-certified celebrity dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche. “While some of my best advice to my patients may seem simple,” Guanche says, “it’s also all too easy to neglect the basics that really make a difference to protect and improve your skin.”

Here Guanche shares her top anti-aging tips that involve either no cost or affordable items found online and at your local store.

1. Go easy on the hot water

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and the appearance of premature aging. Keep the water temperature from getting too hot (you can even set your water heater to a lower default temp).

Pro tip: Apply moisturizer right out of the bath or shower, and immediately after washing your face.

2. Look to retinol at night

Retinol is an anti-aging mainstay, and choosing one has never been easier because of the new Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules from RoC — the brand that discovered how to stabilize this superpower ingredient. This treatment in particular rivals prescription skincare options and it works — clinical testing showed 97% had visibly reduced lines and wrinkles after one night.

“What I love about these Capsules is the instant gratification you get with overnight line smoothing benefits and how the results keep getting better overtime if you make them a regular part of your nighttime routine,” says Dr. Guanche. “And even better, they are perfectly dosed, don’t irritate skin and a steal for the price.”

Find RoC at your local drugstores or Target.com.

3. Prioritize sleep

While you’re letting your skin absorb a retinol like RoC, make sure you’re sleeping a good eight hours per night if possible. Keeping your room cooler and darker at night will help ensure you’ll not only fall asleep more easily, but stay asleep longer, for the rest your body and face need.

Pro tip: Launder your bedding regularly, especially your pillowcases! That way you know you’re helping to keep your skin clean while you’re getting your beauty rest.

4. Stock up on vitamins

“Keeping your skin looking and feeling its best is also a question of feeding it from within,” says Dr. Guanche. Taking daily supplements containing vitamins such as C, E, D and K will help nourish your skin from the inside out.

Eating foods rich in vitamins, like colorful vegetables and fruits, is also a vital — and delicious — way to “feed” your skin well.

5. Limit sun exposure

While getting a little vitamin D from sunshine is a good thing, too much time under UV rays can prematurely age your skin — and put your skin at risk. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a facial moisturizer or sunscreen containing at least 30 SPF for the best protection against sunburn and skin cancer.

Pro tip: Keep sunscreen near the door or in your bag so you’ll remember to apply before going out.

Sticking to these tips daily will make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels. Try a couple until they become habit, then try more. Your skin will thank you!


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How Technology Is Helping People Better Manage Diabetes During COVID-19

2020-10-26T15:49:00

(BPT) – The impact of COVID-19 has changed many aspects of our everyday lives, particularly for those living with a chronic condition like diabetes. Even under normal circumstances, managing diabetes can be difficult, but with the added challenges of the pandemic, access to medical care, medications, and other diabetes products has become increasingly difficult for many.

Living with diabetes is expensive. The average yearly cost to manage the condition is almost $10,000,[1] and data show that two in five Americans living with diabetes experience financial hardship from medical bills – even when properly insured.[2] Since the pandemic began, as many as 18% of Americans with diabetes have faced unemployment, making the ability to afford medication and medical care an even greater challenge. As a result, many people living with diabetes were not adhering to their diabetes management regimens, which may jeopardize their overall health, especially considering this community is at risk of developing more serious complications from the virus.[3] In fact, a study from earlier this summer found that one in four people with diabetes have started skipping medication doses and testing their glucose less often to extend their supplies.[3]

The pandemic is not only impacting finances, it is also changing the way healthcare is delivered. There has been a greater acceptance of telehealth and remote monitoring for chronic conditions like diabetes from both patients and the health care industry – underscoring the important role that diabetes technology can play.

One example of a technology that is helping physicians monitor their patients remotely is integrated continuous glucose monitors (iCGMs) like Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 system, which features a small sensor worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days and accurately measures glucose every minute, eliminating the need for fingersticks.[4] With a one-second scan using a handheld reader, adults and children ages four and up can see their real-time glucose reading, an eight-hour history of glucose data and a trend arrow showing where their levels are heading. These actionable insights allow people with diabetes and their physicians to make more informed decisions about treatments, exercise and nutrition, even when in-person visits aren’t possible.

“My continuous glucose monitor has greatly improved my quality of life. I no longer need to do multiple, painful fingersticks a day and can see which direction my glucose levels are trending, which makes managing my diabetes so much easier,” said Kendall Kidder-Goshorn, who has been living with type 1 diabetes for 26 years. “When I’m using the FreeStyle Libre 2, I spend less time worrying about my glucose levels, so CGM technology is directly responsible for me being the healthiest I’ve been in years. I think every person living with diabetes should have access to revolutionary technologies like CGMs, so they can be their healthiest self, too.”

As CGMs have shown evidence to be effective at helping people with diabetes better manage their condition and improve health outcomes, they are being more widely embraced. For instance, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now provides reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system[5] and recently gave healthcare professionals more flexibility to prescribe CGMs during the pandemic. While this marks significant progress, many people with diabetes still can’t access CGMs due to insurance restrictions or high-deductible costs and co-pays.

“From the start, Abbott set out to make our FreeStyle Libre portfolio available to as many people living with diabetes as possible. That’s why we priced it 70% lower than other CGMs, without sacrificing performance and accuracy,” said Mahmood Kazemi, M.D., chief medical officer, Diabetes Care, Abbott. “We’re working to ensure all people living with diabetes have access to the life-changing benefits of our technology, all at a fraction of the cost of other available CGMs.”

Life with diabetes can be stressful enough, but with access to breakthrough technology like CGMs, daily care can be simpler to manage, even during a pandemic. Talk to your doctor for information about how you could manage your diabetes more effectively and affordably or visit https://www.freestylelibre.us/ or https://www.freestylelibre.us/myfreestyle.html to learn more.[6]

[1] The Cost of Diabetes. (2018, May 1). Retrieved August 12, 2020, from https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/cost-diabetes

[2] Burden and Consequences of Financial Hardship From Medical Bills Among Nonelderly Adults With Diabetes Mellitus in the United States (2020, February 6). Retrieved August 12, 2020, from https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.006139

[3] New Data Highlights Severe Health and Economic Impact of Pandemic on Millions Living with Diabetes. (2020, July 29). Retrieved August 05, 2020, from https://www.diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/2020/new-data-highlights-severe-health-and-economic-impact-of-pandemic-on-millions-living-with-diabetes

[4] Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood

[5] Patients must meet Medicare eligibility coverage criteria. Local Coverage Determination: Glucose Monitors (L33822), January 2020.

[6] For FreeStyle Libre portfolio Indications and Important Safety Information: https://www.freestylelibre.us/safety-information.html


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From Bedridden to Ironman: My Journey with Crohn’s Disease

2020-10-26T07:01:01

(BPT) – He was nearing the end of the race, but Brian Greenberg thought he couldn’t possibly finish. He had a stomach cramp and his lungs were begging him to stop. At that point, he had done a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and was in the last leg of his 26.2-mile run. It had been over 15 hours, and he still had an hour of running to go.

Pain. That’s what his entire body was screaming.

Just a few years earlier, Brian was experiencing a different type of pain. He could barely move without immense distress radiating from his abdomen. He was bedbound, living under the care of his parents, his days punctuated by visits from a wound care nurse as his body tried to fight the symptoms of a badly inflamed gastrointestinal tract.

For Brian, competing in the Ironman Mont Tremblant was an important personal milestone in what had been a 25+ year-long journey to outpace his Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since he was 11 years old, Brian’s own body has rebelled against him, causing him to sit on the sidelines for much of his teenage and adult life.

In less than a decade, Brian’s condition evolved from mild stomach cramping to rupturing rectal abscesses. At age 21, while most of his peers were enjoying the care-free college lifestyle, he had a large part of his colon removed. At 28, he agreed to a full colectomy, a surgical procedure to remove his entire colon.

Like most people who self-reported living with Crohn’s disease (82%, according to an online survey presented by AbbVie),*1 Brian experienced feelings of anxiety as a result of his disease. “Crohn’s impacts you emotionally in so many ways because there’s fear when you wake up and anxiety that you have every single day, not to mention the fatigue and pain that rear their heads every so often,” said Brian.

In fact, according to recent online survey results, 70% of people living with Crohn’s disease report feeling embarrassment and 80% reported experiencing feelings of depression as a result of their disease.1

“The biggest misconception that the Crohn’s disease community has to overcome is that it’s just a ‘bathroom disease,’” said Brian, who remembers fearing how his condition would affect his romantic life as well as his social life.

The physical and mental toll that Crohn’s disease takes on a person can impact day-to-day life. For example, 80% of patients from an online survey also reported that their Crohn’s disease symptoms had a moderate-to-severe impact on their daily life, with most agreeing that their condition limits their ability to socialize (77%) and spend time outside their home (66%). Nearly half say their condition limits their ability to work full time (45%).1

“Before my disease was controlled, if I go out and I’m far from home, I have to think, ‘Okay, well, what might happen?’” said Brian.

Doctors say open lines of communication with their patients are important to learn more about the emotional toll Crohn’s is having on their well-being as well as the specific ways in which the condition impacts everyday activities.

“It’s important that people living with Crohn’s talk to their gastroenterologist and their healthcare team about both the physical and emotional impact of their disease, even more so during these times,” said survey researcher Laurie Keefer, Ph.D., director of the IBD Medical Home, GRITT-IBD, at Mount Sinai. “This is so that doctors can understand and fully assess the extent of the disease so that they can treat patients appropriately.”

For Brian, he credits setting what he calls “turtle steps,” having an open conversation with his healthcare team, and advocating for an effective treatment plan as key to his journey from being bedridden to reaching his athletic goals.

His first “turtle step” goal was to make his own grilled cheese sandwich after one of his major surgeries. Soon, with hard work and planning, he was hiking, biking and climbing, training as a triathlete and completing a half Ironman.

Finally, in 2018, with his then girlfriend — now, wife — cheering him on, Brian crossed the finish line of the 140.6-mile full Ironman at 16 hours and 13 minutes.

Pain has momentarily given in to sheer, overwhelming euphoria.

“Having Crohn’s disease has taught me that life is not going to be easy, but it’s what you make of it,” said Brian. “Not everyone dreams of becoming an Ironman. Find and set goals for yourself and set turtle steps along the way. Don’t be shy about sharing these with your healthcare team either. It’s when you’re working together and aligned on goals that the best decisions about your care can be made.”

Understanding the wide-ranging implications of IBD can be the first step toward a proactive treatment plan that works for you. Be proactive about your health and don’t delay seeking medical care. Visit CrohnsandColitis.com to download a Doctor Discussion Guide for your next virtual or in-person conversation.

*A U.S. online survey, Unmet Needs of Patients with IBD: Patient Perspectives on the Impact of Disease on Quality of Life conducted between November 11 to November 18, 2019, captured insights from 302 people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including those who self-identified as having Crohn’s disease (177 people) or ulcerative colitis (125 people), to better understand the daily symptom burden of IBD. The second U.S. online survey, Unmet Needs of Patients with IBD: Patient Perspectives on Treatment Experience, conducted between November 11 to November 18, 2019, was completed by 502 people who self-identified as having Crohn’s disease (296 people) or ulcerative colitis (206 people) to better understand how treatment choices are made, most desired treatment outcomes, and satisfaction with primary HCPs. Both surveys were distributed to patients 19 years of age or older who self-identified as having Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The survey was accessed via the social media network MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam.com on behalf of AbbVie.

Sponsored by AbbVie.

References

  1. Keefer L, Schneider B, Zambrano JA, and Charabaty A. Unmet needs of patients with IBD: Patient perspectives on the impact of disease on quality of life. Presented at the American College of Gastroenterology 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting; 2020 Oct 23-28.


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3 ways to give and get the best tech this holiday

2020-10-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – Heading full speed toward winter, we all know holiday shopping won’t look the same as years past. But that doesn’t mean you should let the latest trends pass you by this gift-giving season. These tips from UScellular will keep you from missing out on the best gifts and gadgets for you and your loved ones.

And don’t forget, UScellular has all the latest tech on their online store, helping you shop earlier, avoid congestion at stores and keep your community as safe as possible.

1. Beat the rush! Get started early

With holiday shopping expected to start earlier than ever this year, don’t wait for Black Friday to get started and end up missing out on some of the best gear.

Right now you can get the coolest tech like the Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS & Cellular) and the Lander Cairn XL Smart Lantern + Power Bank online through UScellular. The audiophile in your family will be blown away by the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live earbuds or the JBL Flip 5 portable speaker.

2. Shop safer, right from home

Picking up stocking stuffers has never been easier and safer thanks to online shopping. UScellular’s online store is brimming with fun tech-friendly items like the PopSockets PopGrip in a Carbonite Weave design. And if you are looking to help your loved ones keep their phones clean, be sure to add the Case-Mate CLEANSCREENZ Phone Cleaning Wipes to your cart.

If you have any questions about products available online, just pick up the phone and call your local UScellular store to get some helpful insights from their associates.

3. Get yourself a new phone, without breaking the bank

For many of us, the holidays might need to be celebrated from afar to be sure everyone stays safe. With a potentially remote holiday experience, having a phone and service that will give you all the features necessary to connect with family and friends is more important than ever.

If you are looking to make a carrier switch, UScellular is offering the latest smartphones free with no hidden requirements through Jan 11, 20211. That means you can score 5G smartphones like the iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or Google Pixel 5 for free. All three phones are great for video chatting with family, and with UScellular’s unlimited data plans and high-quality network, you can confidently connect with all your loved ones. Plus, be sure to get all the essential accessories for your new device, including cases, screen protectors and chargers.

If you want to view the latest holiday tech deals, visit www.uscellular.com/deals.

1Offer requires new qualifying smartphone purchase on a 30-month retail installment contract with $0 Down and 0% APR. Port in and postpaid plan required. Discount comes via a monthly bill credit. Credit approval required. Taxes and charges such as USF and RCRF apply. Additional terms apply. See uscellular.com for details.


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Generic and Biosimilar Prescriptions Mean Smooth Sailing and Big Savings for Americans of All Ages

2020-10-23T15:01:00

(BPT) – Now that Rich Lichty is semi-retired, he loves to go boating on the Chesapeake Bay. His 15-year-old boat is equipped with a diving board to entice the grandchildren.

Watch Rich’s Video

Rich Lichty, 72, from Laurel, MD, takes a generic medicine for his blood pressure.

Rich takes a generic drug to control his blood pressure. He and his wife are enrolled in Medicare but not a supplemental plan, so lower-priced generics are his best option. The brand-name version of his blood pressure drug, for example, costs twice as much as the generic.

“That thing sitting in the water is a big investment,” he says. Generic savings means he can cover those boat maintenance bills more easily, and the quality and reliability mean that he can lead a healthier, more productive and fuller life — that is, more time with the grandchildren. The nation’s secure and reliable pharmaceutical supply chain means he can count on being able to refill his prescriptions when he needs to.

AAM’s 2020 Generic Drug & Biosimilars Access & Savings in the U.S. report tells the story of millions of America’s patients who, like Rich, trust generic and biosimilar medications. U.S. generic savings totaled $313 billion in 2019 and nearly $2.2 trillion from 2009 to 2019.

In a suburb of Santa Clarita, California, on the other side of the country from Lichty, Jeni Doerr recently went back to school to become a medical coder, and when she is not online learning she is enjoying everything the state has to offer — hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking with her dog Sally. “If you take me outside, I’m a happy girl,” she says. Last year, however, a severe, painful attack of pancolitis left her hospitalized for a week. After trying different medications, her doctor prescribed a biosimilar — a lower-cost, FDA-approved alternative to biologic medicines. “Since then,” says Doerr, “it was like flipping a light switch. I’ve had no flares and no symptoms.”

Watch Jeni’s Video

Jeni, 35, from Santa Clarita, CA, takes a biosimilar medicine for her pancolitis.

“Think of biosimilars as the next generation of generic medicines,” John O’Brien, a pharmacist and former senior advisor to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recently wrote. “The promise of biosimilars means expanding treatment options for people in need. We must keep the momentum high and continue pushing our members of Congress to fight for increased access to biosimilars to save health care dollars.” The AAM report finds that in biosimilars’ ten years of existence in the United States, savings have totaled $4.5 billion.

View the Report

Download the Top Takeaways

Other notable findings in the report:

  • 92% of generic prescriptions are filled for $20 or less.
  • Generics are 90% of prescriptions filled, yet account for only 20% of prescription drug spending.
  • Generic savings for heart disease treatment totaled $49.9 billion in 2019, and savings from generic cancer drugs came to $13.6 billion.
  • More than 60 billion generic drug doses are made in the U.S. every year.

In his introduction, the CEO of Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM) Dan Leonard writes, “The COVID-19 public health emergency in 2020 has shown America that the generics and biosimilars industry is fundamentally strong and essential to saving lives.” The savings makes a difference during the pandemic. As Reuters noted, “Medication costs for COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the United States have dropped sharply since May, reflecting advances in treatment, shorter stays and use of cheaper generic drugs.”

The report includes savings by state, with California leading the way at $28.3 billion. It also details savings for Medicare and Medicaid participants and for all age groups. Nationally, Medicare saved $96.1 billion in 2019, or $1,053 per participant, by using generics. Medicaid programs saved $48.5 billion, or $770 per participant. Unfortunately, Medicare policies often reward use of higher-cost brand drugs and biologics. Advocates recommend updating Medicare to encourage use of generics and biosimilars through payment policy and lower patient cost-sharing.

Each dollar saved represents a U.S. patient with a health condition impeding the ability to lead a full and productive life — or even threatening life.

Leonard adds, “Our medicines, from the injectables that are critical to placing a patient on a ventilator, to the steroid drugs that have reduced the risk of death in COVID patients by one-third, have proven themselves to truly be the bridge to a vaccine.”

The bottom line: safe, effective FDA-approved medicines save more Americans more money every year. During a time when we realize the importance of health, Rich and Jeni’s stories should be reassuring for all of us.