» Coalition

The Coalition for Consumer Choice and Access has been formed to coordinate the efforts of the business, consumer, and health sectors in understanding and overcoming any adverse reaction to the new rule that is part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) stating that consumers will require a prescription to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medicines with health care account funds (Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, and Medical Savings Accounts). Without educational intervention, the new rule could drive unnecessary doctor visits, increase likelihood of Rx prescribing, and increase overall health care system costs. We believe it is more powerful and appropriate to advance our concerns with one voice to gain awareness and attention. The Coalition wishes to look deeper into the potential impact on our health care system and on health care providers, and to identify the unintended consequences of this element of Health Care Reform. Our goal is to develop a common platform from which all stakeholders are appropriately educated.

Key Coalition Activities
1. Develop a Common Cost Impact Model: Conduct Research and Build Public Health and Economic Impact Model to Forecast Influence of the Statutory Change on the U.S. Health Care and OTC Markets. The Model will Consider Policy, Outcomes and Cost Impact from the Multiple Perspectives.

2. Contribute to Awareness with Regulatory, Industry and Public Stakeholders.

3. Provide Educational Support to Consumers through Special Interest Groups and Community Organizations.

To Join the Coalition
Please contact Mary Alice Lawless at mlawless@healthsmartconsumers.org