Advocacy Arm of Association of Women in Rheumatology Celebrates Legislative Victories
The advocacy arm of the Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR) has recently celebrated multiple legislative victories in the past year. During the 2023 AWIR annual conference, presenters discussed the successes and opportunities for the advocacy arm, emphasizing the importance of understanding the law and seeing advocacy in action.
One of the key issues tackled by AWIR advocates at the state level was step therapy regulations set by insurance companies. Legislation allowing practitioners and patients to bypass these regulations passed in Colorado, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. While the passing of the laws was a significant achievement, the implementation process proved to be challenging, requiring additional legislation to further define the parameters for bypassing step therapy.
AWIR advocates also scored victories regarding accumulator adjustment programs, an issue that often impacts patients receiving assistance for medication costs. Texas and Washington, D.C., passed laws to improve patient access to these programs.
In the realm of non-medical switching of medications, AWIR advocates noted a decrease in related legislation. However, Florida passed a law that may help reduce the impact of non-medical switching in rheumatology practice.
An emerging target for advocacy is white bagging, an arrangement between payers and certain pharmacies that requires healthcare staff to manage and administer medications shipped directly to the care site. AWIR advocates are working to insert the rheumatology voice into this issue. So far, Texas and North Dakota have passed laws regarding white bagging.
Pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform remains a significant target for advocacy. Fifteen states introduced legislation requiring PBMs to pass on the rebates they receive from drug manufacturers to patients at the point of sale. Arkansas, Florida, and Indiana successfully passed such bills, with physicians actively supporting the legislation through letters and phone calls to policymakers.
At the federal level, AWIR advocates celebrated the approval of the Safe Step Act by the Senate Health Committee, which was bundled with a larger PBM reform package. Additionally, the Help Copays Act was introduced in the Senate for the first time, with participation from senators in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.
The contributions of AWIR advocates were instrumental in achieving these legislative victories. Their dedication and efforts in raising awareness and gaining support for important bills played a significant role in shaping healthcare policy.
During the conference, attendees were encouraged to become involved in advocacy by visiting the AWIR website and using the action center. The program, called Voter Voice, allows individuals to input their information, which generates a pre-written message crafted by AWIR to be sent directly to legislators. Advocacy involvement is seen as an investment in the future of rheumatology.
AWIR’s federal and state legislative priorities may differ slightly, and attendees were urged to advocate for legislation that is most relevant to their patients and practices in their respective states or regions.
Overall, the legislative victories celebrated by the advocacy arm of AWIR demonstrate the importance of active involvement in shaping healthcare policy. By understanding the law, seeing advocacy in action, and engaging in the legislative process, healthcare practitioners can make a meaningful impact on their ability to provide the best possible care to their patients.
