Biotech policy groups escalated their critique of U.S. drug pricing frameworks after BIO’s March Coffee Chat highlighted how price controls can increase costs for some patients even when nominal caps exist. Karin Hoelzer, BIO’s senior director of patient advocacy, said policies such as Most Favored Nation-style pricing could further restrict access by importing foreign pricing structures. BIO’s discussion cited evidence that Medicare beneficiaries who do not hit out-of-pocket caps may face higher cost burdens due to plan behavior, including shifts from co-pays to co-insurance and more aggressive formulary management. The session referenced MAPRx’s report, “Inflation Reduction Act: Access Barriers Undermine Affordability,” as early evidence enters 2026. Separately, health insurer initiatives to reduce administrative friction were highlighted in an “other news” context, with commitments tied to prior authorization reductions—adding to the broader access debate as sponsors and payers navigate affordability and utilization management.