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The ACR and Partners Help Get Legislation Passed in New York to Limit Step Therapy

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What You Can Do
For rheumatologists who want to get more involved in advocating for their patients, Dr. Blumstein emphasizes the importance of attending state society meetings to educate themselves on local issues; he also suggests participating in advocacy efforts and encouraging patients to advocate for themselves on issues that will help preserve their access to care.

The Waiting Begins
As of now, the bill awaits Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signature to make it law. If signed, the law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017, and New York will join a number of other states that have already enacted laws to limit or prohibit step therapy (e.g., Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi and Washington).

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Mary Beth Nierengarten is a freelance medical journalist based in Minneapolis, Minn.

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