I am Sandra Williams, a 75 year old retiree from Lynchburg, Virginia living with atrial fibrillation (Afib).

I am insured under a Humana Gold Plus Medicare plan and due to my condition, I have to take and adhere to an Eliquis prescription routine. The problem, however, is that even though I am insured, my medical plan considers Eliquis, which has a list price of $594, a tier 4 drug and therefore am expected to pay nearly $500 a month for my monthly supply, after insurance coverage (or lack thereof).

This report examines the practices of BMS/Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson's lockstep price hikes and patent gaming on two blockbuster blood thinners and the implications for patients and taxpayers.