From Equity to Access: Insights from the Healthcare Advocate Summit

Dave Griffiths, VP, Development – The 2024 Healthcare Advocate Summit (HAS) in Las Vegas brought together a passionate group of healthcare professionals, patient advocates, policymakers, and industry leaders to address the most pressing issues in patient care. Accessia Health was proud to be a sponsor and exhibit, participate in panel discussions, and be onsite to share ideas and collaborate on innovative strategies aimed at improving access, equity, and quality of care for all patients. 

One of the primary topics of this year’s conference was collaboration as an invaluable component to improving access. I was honored to participate in the event’s opening session, Bridging Roles: A Collaborative Approach to Patient Access and Care, and had the opportunity to discuss how to build a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. It was the central theme and a focus in other sessions I attended across the three days at the Summit.

Throughout the conference, experts highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in improving patient care. Healthcare is too complex for any one entity to solve alone, and the Summit stressed the value of partnerships between patient advocates, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and community organizations. Examples were shared of integrated care models that bring together physicians, pharmacists, and social workers to provide holistic care to patients. These models have been particularly effective in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Discussions also centered around the role of public-private partnerships in improving access to medications and treatments, particularly for underserved populations.

Health equity was also a key topic at the Summit, with speakers calling for urgent action to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Special attention was given to the social determinants of health and the role they play in patient experiences and outcomes. In particular, panelists spoke of the need to address health disparities through community outreach programs that focus on factors such as housing, food security, and education.

Additionally, there was an emphasis on the need for healthcare providers to offer culturally competent care that acknowledges and respects the diverse backgrounds of patients. By tailoring care to meet the specific needs of different populations, health systems can improve outcomes and reduce disparities. 

Outside of social determinants of health, medication access remains a significant barrier for patients, particularly those dealing with chronic diseases or rare conditions. The Summit highlighted strategies to improve medication access, including overcoming financial, regulatory, and logistical hurdles. The growing role of specialty pharmacies was also discussed, particularly in managing complex treatment regimens for patients with rare diseases. Specialty pharmacies are increasingly providing tailored support to help patients manage their conditions and navigate insurance challenges.

My colleagues, Tiara Green and Jennifer Noonan, also led a panel discussion, From Copays to Comprehensive Care: A Unique Perspective on the Challenges and Opportunities of a Holistic Approach to Patient Assistance. With guest speakers, Georgene՛ Glass, Executive Director of Dreamsickle Kids Foundation, and Jonathan James, President and CEO of Hope Charities, the group discussed the evolving landscape of patient support, which centered on the shift from traditional copay assistance to a broader, more comprehensive approach to care. The discussion illuminated various strategies, challenges, and opportunities in the pursuit of equitable, holistic care.

Overall, this year’s Healthcare Advocate Summit was a powerful reminder that improving patient care requires not only collaboration, but also a commitment to equity. As we look ahead, it is clear that patient advocates, healthcare providers, and industry leaders must continue to work together to break down barriers and ensure that all patients—regardless of their background or circumstances—have access to the care and medications they need.

At Accessia Health, our mission has always been to help patients gain access to vital medicines and services. And we are proud to go beyond the traditional patient assistance model to cover other essential healthcare costs such as diagnostic tests, durable medical equipment, and more.

If you would like to discuss how your company or organization can help us help more patients send me a message or drop a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

Let’s work together to build a more inclusive and effective healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of every patient!