What happens when patients with cancer spend weeks navigating insurance requirements before receiving physician-prescribed care?

In our latest episode of Value-Based Voices, Brian Reid, Principal of Reid Strategic and author of the Cost Curve newsletter, and Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH, Partner at Health Policy Strategies, and AVBCC Board Member, sit down with CancerCare's Alexandra Zaleta, PhD, VP of Research & Insights, and Kim Czubaruk, JD, VP of Policy, to discuss findings from CancerCare's groundbreaking Red Tape Report. Based on responses from more than 1,200 people affected by cancer, the report sheds light on the very real impact of prior authorization, coverage interruptions, step therapy, and other utilization management practices on patients and families.

Our conversation explores:

• The clinical, financial, and emotional impact of treatment delays
• Why patients with employer-sponsored coverage reported some of the greatest administrative burdens
• The growing challenge of "time toxicity" for both patients and caregivers
• Coverage disruptions during active treatment
• Opportunities for employers, providers, policymakers, and advocates to work together on solutions

One theme emerged clearly throughout the discussion: when access barriers delay care, the costs extend far beyond claims data. Patients, caregivers, providers, and employers all feel the impact.

Resources:

CancerCare: https://www.cancercare.org/

The Red Tape Report: https://www.cancercare.org/redtape

Connect with our Guests:

Alexandra Zaletta, PhD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-zaleta/

Kim Zubarak, JD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-czubaruk-50532261/

Brian Reid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbreid/

Jayson Slotnik, JD, MPH: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-slotnik-3932305/

#ValueBasedCare #Oncology #CancerCare #HealthcarePolicy #PatientAccess #PriorAuthorization #CancerAdvocacy #HealthBenefits #ValueBasedVoices #CancerCareDelivery

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Thanks for listening!