Garden State Times

Insurance companies “denying coverage” of the prescription drugs she needed to deal with chronic migraines is one reason Jeannette Hoffman wanted to become the executive director for the newly-formed group, Patients Come First-New Jersey.

“I suffer from chronic migraines, and like many New Jerseyans, I found myself dealing with my insurance company denying coverage of certain brands of prescription drugs, and then not allowing me to use a rebate intended for a certain medicine,” Hoffman told Garden State Times. “It makes no sense that insurance companies are allowed to make decisions about which prescription medicine I should take, rather than my own doctor.”

“That’s why I’m happy to speak out on behalf of beleaguered patients who are ready to make a change and put patients and consumers at the forefront of our healthcare system,” she said.

New Jersey was one of three states, including Missouri and California, in which Patients Come First groups launched on Monday, reported Garden State Times. 

In addition to running a public affairs firm, Marathon Public Affairs, Hoffman previously worked as vice president of government affairs and communications for The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey. She also worked as an aide to former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman (R-N.J.).

Hoffman said she’s “excited to talk about patient issues that are often overlooked.”

“While there are a number of advocacy and lobbying groups for insurance companies and other large healthcare entities, there is no dedicated voice speaking out for patients and consumers in New Jersey,” she said.

The PCF website says it will “strive to put patients at the forefront of healthcare” through “advocacy, science, education, and collaboration” on issues including prescription drug payments and discounts, co-pay assistance, government drug price negotiations, and the federal 340b drug discount program, among others.

In addition to those issues, said Hoffman, her group “plans to be a vocal advocate on all issues that impact New Jersey patients access to care and innovation."

“This includes the barriers set by insurance companies, government, and middle-managers that make healthcare more expensive and inaccessible for consumers,” said Hoffman.