Gene Therapy – Hemophilia Alliance Network Services (HANS) Opportunity
by Zack Duffy, Director MCR and Roland Lamy, VP Payer

We are excited to announce that HANS has negotiated two national contracts for gene therapy ensuring HANS members can be reimbursed for gene therapy infusions. The contracts are with Emerging Therapy Solutions (ETS) and EVIO. While these entities are separate, they are intertwined as both provide solutions to Synergie, a collective of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and their affiliates.

Emerging Therapy Solutions (ETS) has historically created networks for organ transplants and through these specialized networks has expanded into gene and cell therapies. They partner with payors and healthcare institutions. ETS is an established network that works with multiple payers and reinsurance groups. EVIO is a pharmacy solution company that is owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Shield of California, Highmark inc., and Independence Blue Cross.

Both entities are excited to work with Hemophilia Treatment Centers ensuring patients have access to current gene therapy options. While the agreements are similar, they have their operational differences. If you are a member of HANS your primary contact at The Hemophilia Alliance will be reaching out to you shortly to review the negotiated rate, terms, and conditions as well as collect important data regarding gene therapy readiness or plans for readiness. EVIO and ETS are aware that HANS continues to grow and HTCS will be added over time. If you have not yet signed the HANS agreement and would like to do so, please discuss this with your primary Hemophilia Alliance contact. We will be hosting a webinar regarding the ETS relationship and current HANs contracts, so please keep an eye out for future communication.

We have also utilized the gene therapy conversation to ensure that HTCs can be considered in network for factor products further strengthening the value of being a HANS member to your pharmacy program. Remember, becoming a member of HANS does not commit you to participating with every payer, participating HTCs always have the option to “opt-in” to any offer presented as a participating HTC.

The Hemophilia Alliance continues to support HTCs in negotiating Single Case Agreements and for gene therapy. If you have a gene therapy infusion in the pipeline, whether Medicare, Medicaid or commercial please let us know as we are here to work alongside you for successful implementation.