Blue Shield of California extends coverage of biologic medications for psoriasis patients
PORTLAND, Ore. (May 2, 2006)—Psoriasis patients covered by Blue Shield of California now have greater access to biologic medications, following more than a year of deliberations between the insurer and the National Psoriasis Foundation.
The Psoriasis Foundation first approached Blue Shield of California about changing its policy in December 2004, after hearing from dermatologists and psoriasis patients that the insurance company's biologics policy was more restrictive than those of other major insurers. The American Academy of Dermatology joined the Psoriasis Foundation in these efforts to appeal for a new policy.
According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, a noncontagious, common disease. Psoriasis results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that itch, crack and bleed. The Psoriasis Foundation estimates that in the state of California, as many as 882,000 people have psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.
Under Blue Shield of California's original policy, patients had to fail two medications and phototherapy, as well as have 30 percent body surface area (BSA) coverage, before being considered for biologics treatment. The new policy covers biologics after the failure and/or intolerance of one other treatment; failure, intolerance or difficulty accessing phototherapy; and approximately 13 percent or more BSA coverage.
The Psoriasis Foundation advocacy department presented a case highlighting the impact of psoriasis and the need for extended coverage. Jeff Crowley, M.D., a member at large of the California Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, and Mark Lebwohl, M.D., chairman of the Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, partnered with the Psoriasis Foundation to advocate for the policy change.
"This expanded coverage will help vastly improve the quality of life of patients with moderate and severe psoriasis," said Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO of the Psoriasis Foundation. "We commend Blue Shield for making this important change."
More About Psoriasis
An estimated 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis, which can be a physical and emotional burden. Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. There is no cure yet for these chronic diseases, which can disrupt daily life and are debilitating for some people.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is a patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis, and their families. For more information, contact the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166 or visit www.psoriasis.org
For more information, contact:
National Psoriasis Foundation
503.546.8413
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