Unintended Financial Barriers: When "Generic" Does Not Mean Affordable

The authors investigate the financial barriers that persist for patients prescribed generic sacubitril/valsartan, a key treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), despite its introduction aimed at improving affordability. They highlight how high deductibles, variable insurance coverage, and administrative hurdles disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, leading to treatment interruptions and financial toxicity. The study calls for aligning healthcare benefit designs with evidence-based practices to ensure that the availability of generics translates into improved access and patient outcomes.