Legislature should pass synchronization of medications bill

I am one of the 1.5 million Americans who suffer from lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage the skin, joints and internal organs. To treat my condition, I use seven prescription medications. Because each prescription has a different refill date and a different pill allotment, there are some months when I have to travel to the pharmacy every week to pick up the medicine I need.

I am not alone.

Countless patients like me are battling complex and chronic medical conditions, and often have to take multiple medications. Some patients have to take more than 10 prescription drugs to treat one condition.

Because intense pain or limited mobility can accompany many of these medical conditions, people like me rely on our husbands or wives, friends or neighbors, or caregivers to take us to the pharmacy when we run out of one of the medicines. When going to the pharmacy turns into a regular ordeal, the trips add another burden to what is already a challenging situation.

There are many in our communities who may not be fortunate enough to have a strong support network. They might be living on their own or might have limited means. For these people, getting to the pharmacy on a regular basis is that much harder, particularly if it entails a burdensome physical or financial cost.

Because of these challenges, people taking multiple medications may forgo portions or all of the medicine their doctor prescribed. The end result is a worsening of health, more doctor visits and, in a worst case scenario, hospitalization.

One way to improve the situation is to let pharmacies “synchronize” medication. What this means is that a patient can go to the drug store once a month, for instance, and collect all the medications they need for that month.

Synchronization of medications would allow patients and their caregivers to budget and plan their monthly trip to the pharmacy to pick up their medications. In this way, it would give patients fewer things to worry about and increase the likelihood they will follow the course of treatment their doctor ordered. Battling painful disease is immensely stressful, and synchronization can bring manageable routine to what is often an overwhelming life situation.

Here in Nevada, Senate Bill 250 proposes to synchronize medications when it is in the best interest of the patient. While the bill would increase the chances that patients stick to their medications by lessening the burden on those with complicated medication regimens due to chronic illness, it does not help patients like me, with our out-of-pocket costs to be the same regardless of the number of refills and fills for our medications.

I urge our lawmakers in Carson City to stand with patients with severe conditions and amend Senate Bill 250 to its original form to include a prorated daily cost-sharing rate. We need to find ways to make life easier for patients in our communities and help people treat their conditions in the most effective manner possible.

Julie Gibbs is a resident of Las Vegas and a member of Colors of Lupus Nevada.