Release: Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for “Prescriber Prevails” Protections

POLL SHOWS OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR “PRESCRIBER PREVAILS” PROTECTIONS

ALBANY, N.Y. –  A new survey by the Siena Polling Institute shows that New Yorkers want doctors – not health plan managers – to make final decisions in prescribing drugs to patients.

“The results of this poll could not be clearer,” said Jaime Venditti, State Coordinator for New York Healthworks, a leading patient advocacy coalition. “No one wants interference in the doctor-patient relationship.”

Siena tested support for a new Cuomo administration proposal that would allow give health benefits managers the ability to make final prescribing decisions for patients on Medicaid. Key findings are as follows:

• 93 percent of respondents want doctors to make prescribing decisions for Medicaid patients with mental illness;
• 94 percent of respondents want doctors to make prescribing decision for Medicaid patients with cancer, AIDS and other chronic diseases;
• 98 percent of respondent said they wanted doctors to make such decisions for themselves and their families.

Patient advocates oppose the Cuomo administration’s proposal. The advocates say it could disrupt treatment regimens and endanger the health of patients.

The survey of 800 voters was conducted last week.