Show-Me State Times

Connie Farrow, executive director of Patients Come First-Missouri, expressed concerns about the healthcare system's prioritization of "special interests" over patients. She emphasized the need for individuals to "become advocates." Farrow shared her views as a guest columnist on Your Business Authority.

"The sad reality is patients often face barriers to accessing the advanced and innovative medical care available in our healthcare system because the current system prioritizes the desires of special interests rather than patients," said Farrow. "From large insurers taking advantage of programs designed to help patients get access to medicines and care, to government policies that stifle innovation and hope for those with chronic illness, the current system simply doesn't work for patients and consumers. It's time for all of us to get informed, develop a relationship with our elected representatives and become advocates. A strong chorus of dedicated voices speaking out on behalf of patients and consumers on these issues will help to ensure obstacles don't go unchecked and stand in the way of affordable and accessible patient care."

According to Farrow in a Your Business Authority op-ed, payers such as Medicare and insurance companies utilize "QALY metrics" to prioritize certain conditions when allocating health resources. This practice can lead to the denial of treatment for some patients. She noted that these "discriminatory value metrics" could have severe consequences, potentially resulting in a "death sentence" for those who do not achieve a maximum QALY score.

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review explains that QALY measures the impact of medical treatments on life expectancy and quality of life and has been used in cost-effectiveness analyses for over 30 years.

Farrow further said that government price-setting measures in the Inflation Reduction Act "stifle innovation" and "falter hope" for patients with rare diseases and chronic illnesses. She argued that it empowers the government to determine the value of medicines, forcing drugmakers to negotiate prices set by "government bureaucrats," which overlooks "pharmaceutical innovation," according to Your Business Authority.

Patients Come First is a national advocacy group focused on eliminating barriers to care and improving medical innovation, particularly for those with chronic illnesses. It aims to ensure access to advanced care by creating a network of executive directors advocating for patients at the grassroots level.

Farrow has experience in public relations, patient advocacy, and journalism. She has been active in healthcare reform, advocating for patient and consumer issues related to access, affordability, and equity.