During Chronic Disease Month, the Chronic Disease Coalition (CDC) recognizes the state and federal legislators who have engaged with us, learned about the impact of policy decisions on chronic disease patients and pushed for important health care reform in their state or district. The recommendations for our annual "Roll Call of Champions" come from a variety of places, including organizational partners and our Patient Advisory Council. This year, we recognize 16 state and federal lawmakers who put patients first and made progress toward expanding access to care and reducing healthcare costs.
Janae Shamp, Arizona Senate Majority Leader
Sponsored Senate Bill 1102, enacted in 2025, introducing significant reforms to the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and health insurers, aiming to protect patients' access to prescribed medications throughout their health plan year. PBMs and health insurers are prohibited from limiting or excluding coverage for a prescription drug that has been previously approved for a patient, provided the patient remains enrolled in the same health plan. This ensures that patients can continue their prescribed medications without interruption during the plan year.
Terez Amato, Hawaii State Representative
Sponsored House Bill 1288 establishing a Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Health to advise the state on the needs of rare disease patients.
Troy Hashimoto, Hawaii State Senator
Sponsored Senate Bill 1497 establishing a Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Health to advise the state on the needs of rare disease patients.
Kimberly Moser, Kentucky State Representative
Sponsored House Bill 423 requiring health insurers to create a prior authorization exemption program for participating healthcare providers.
Carrie Rheingans, Michigan State Representative
Supported the CDC’s 2025 Policy Platform, considered our issues and provided feedback.
Jonathan Karlen, Montana State Representative
Sponsored House Bill 399 prohibiting prior authorization requirements for specific categories of prescription drugs, notably oral and inhaled generic medications used to treat conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Roberta Lange, Nevada State Senator
Sponsored Senate Bill 292, enacted in 2025, guaranteeing access to affordable Medigap coverage to Nevadans under age 65 and on dialysis.
Michelle McGaw, Rhode Island State Representative
Sponsored House Bill 5119 limiting the use of step therapy by insurers and House Bill 5120-A preventing insurers from requiring prior authorization on services ordered by an in-network primary care physician.
Linda Ujifusa, Rhode Island State Senator
Sponsored Senate Bill 53 preventing insurers from requiring prior authorization on services ordered by an in-network primary care physician and Senate Bill 116 limiting the use of step therapy by insurers. Senator Ujifusa also sponsored Senate Bill 474, enacted in 2025, which establishes a rare disease advisory council within the department of health to provide guidance and recommendations to educate healthcare providers and citizens of the state.
Jay Dean, Texas State Representative
Sponsored House Bill 2516, enacted in 2025, guaranteeing that individuals under age 65 with End Stage Renal Disease or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) have access to affordable Medigap coverage.
Ryan Guillen, Texas State Representative
Authored House Bill 2516, enacted in 2025, guaranteeing that individuals under age 65 with End Stage Renal Disease or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) have access to affordable Medigap coverage.
Ann Johnson, Texas State Representative
Sponsored House Bill 2516, enacted in 2025, guaranteeing that individuals under age 65 with End Stage Renal Disease or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) have access to affordable Medigap coverage.
Lois Kolkhorst, Texas State Senator
Authored Senate Bill 493 protecting communications between a pharmacy/pharmacist and customer about the difference in cost between the customer’s out-of-pocket cost for their medication under their insurance and the out-of-pocket cost without using their insurance.
Charles Schwertner, Texas State Senator
Authored Senate Bill 1945, enacted in 2025, guaranteeing that individuals under age 65 with End Stage Renal Disease or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) have access to affordable Medigap coverage.
Trey Wharton, Texas State Representative
Sponsored House Bill 2516, enacted in 2025, guaranteeing that individuals under age 65 with End Stage Renal Disease or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) have access to affordable Medigap coverage. Rep. Wharton also co-authored Senate Bill 493. protecting communications between a pharmacy/pharmacist and customer about the difference in cost between the customer’s out-of-pocket cost for their medication under their insurance and the out-of-pocket cost without using their insurance.
Don Scott, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates
Kidney donor.
U.S. Representative Mark Pocan, Wisconsin
Co-sponsored HR 2697 – End Kidney Deaths Act which would amend the tax code to provide a refundable tax credit for non-directed living kidney donations.
Public service is especially challenging right now, as there is too much rhetoric designed to divide us—even on concerns and problems that are universal. The CDC sees and appreciates the hard work these champions do on behalf of all patients.
Legislative sessions are incredibly hectic for lawmakers, but in most states, sessions are over. Recess is a time for legislators to learn rest and re-connect with their communities. Take the time to get to know your legislators, tell them your story and talk about how your life could be better. Send an invitation letter using our template today!