Prior authorization and step therapy reform bills recently enacted in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts offer case studies into how substantive policy change can take persistence, patience and a bipartisan approach to achieve success.
California Rheumatology Alliance Keeps Patients, Providers at the Fore
Throughout the pandemic, the CRA has continued to support rheumatology workforce development initiatives and advocate for state legislation to ensure patient access to rheumatology care. It recently welcomed members back to an in-person conference after a two-year hiatus.
Florida Law Puts Drug Pricing by Pharmacy Benefit Managers Under a Microscope Once Again
As of July 1, a Florida bill increases oversight of pharmacy benefit managers and offers some protection for pharmacies. However, the legislation has limited effects on patients and providers, highlighting the need for additional reform.
Trends in State White Bagging Legislation
The ACR is working with partners in several states to legislate against policies that require physicians to acquire provider-administered drugs through a preferred specialty pharmacy designated by a payer or pharmacy benefit manager.
The Power of Advocacy
In 1916, a handful of conservation advocates successfully lobbied Congress to create the National Park Service, which now protects more than 85 million acres of U.S. land. Dedicated rheumatology advocacy has lasting effects, too, as evidenced by several policy wins in 2021 and efforts underway for 2022.
State Legislative Issues to Watch in 2022
States increasingly take the lead on issues critical to our members and the field of rheumatology, including copay accumulator bans, white bagging restrictions, prior authorization and drug pricing.
Texas Establishes Gold Card for Prior Authorization Exemption
A new law in Texas establishes a continuous prior authorization exemption for physicians who earn a 90% approval rate on prior authorization requests for a given service over a period of six months.
Spring Review of 2021 State Legislative Progress
Bright spots from this legislative session include utilization management reform, copay accumulator bans and pharmacy benefit manager reform.
After the 2020 Election, What’s in Store for Rheumatology Advocacy?
Despite high voter turnout and many new faces entering Congress, minimal power shifts in most levels of government will have implications for the ACR’s advocacy agenda in 2021.
2020 State Legislative Roundup: The Year That Could Have Been & the Year That Was
The COVID-19 pandemic and response disrupted state legislative sessions and agendas in 2020, leaving many ACR priorities unfulfilled and highlighting the urgent need for vocal rheumatology leaders in Washington, D.C., and state capitols.