High-Cost Therapies (HCTs) offer cures and life altering treatments for pediatric patients with chronic or rare conditions. However, HCTs are often extremely expensive, with many that cost well over a million dollars.
HCTs are crucial to many pediatric patients as they are highly effective when administered early in life. 38 HCTs have been approved, with 21 of the therapies specifically for pediatric patients. With the disparities in specialty drug reimbursement, it is crucial that policies create equitable access and affordability for these therapies.
HCTs can improve children’s health and the lives of many families. Children’s hospitals play a unique role in administering HCTs, including developing clinical trials. Even with the important role children’s hospitals play, they often face challenges such as inadequate reimbursement, clinical burdens, and time-consuming administrative processes.
To address these challenges and concerns, CHA is working with leaders from children’s hospitals to examine federal policies that would support HCTs and ensure access for pediatric patients.
