We are off to the races, with almost all states in legislative session and filing, discussing and voting on bills at high speed.
Here at the Chronic Disease Coalition, we measure all policy proposals with the same yardstick: how does this help or hurt patients? Specifically, how does it help them get access to care, afford care, and be heard? Read about our policy priorities and goals.
Legislative Priorities
We are currently tracking almost 900 bills in all the states, but only a few of them will make it through committee, and only a very few will make it through to a vote. This is a politically contentious time, both nationally and in statehouses, but we remain focused on supporting nonpartisan, lasting solutions that put patients first.
Some of this year’s biggest legislative issues across the country are:
- Prior Authorization: Prior authorization is a process health insurers use to determine whether a medication, treatment or service prescribed by a doctor will be covered. It’s often used for certain medical procedures or specialty treatments, and can result in long delays in treatment that worsen patient health. Prior authorization is understandable in some cases, but is too often used to delay treatment in ways that hurt patients.
- Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform: PBMs have an administrative role to play, but we desperately need more price transparency and oversight. Manufacturers give discounts on drugs to help patients afford them, but those discounts should be passed on to patients, not diverted as increased profits by the PBMs.
- Telehealth Access: Telehealth is the use of digital technology to provide health care services remotely, allowing patients to see doctors without travel risks and time lost—essential access for rural communities, seniors and working people.
- 340B Program: The 340B Program is a federal program that helps certain hospitals and clinics buy prescription drugs at lower prices, with the intent that they pass the savings on to patients or provide other patient benefits. Too often, this doesn’t happen. Legislatures are looking at ways to enforce existing rules and improve transparency and reporting. We’ll have a longer article about 340B coming soon, so keep an eye on our newsletter and social posts for a deeper dive.
These aren’t the only issues happening, of course, but across all the states, they are the most common topics.
What can you do?
It would be great if we could all show up in our capitol buildings, every time a bill comes up in committee. But that’s not the only way that legislators listen to their constituents.
Be informed:
- Sign up for our newsletter and get 5 quick items to know, be inspired by, or take action on twice a month. You’ll also get occasional updates about key legislation in your state.
- Follow us on social media for a mix of patient stories, policy trends, and timely actions you can take in your state. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
- Visit our website to read our latest blog articles, view our policy map to see which states are working on legislation in our key areas and join Chronic University to access three mobile-friendly videos sharing basic and advanced steps for telling your story.
Be engaged:
Contact your elected leaders with our fillable forms. We have suggested language to make it easy, but you’re welcome to make edits and tell your own story.
Now is a great time to send messages about building a better healthcare system; access, affordability and representation in your state; lowering healthcare costs and increasing transparency (Congress); and supporting living organ donors (Congress).
State-specific calls to action are in the works, so keep an eye out for those as well.
Stay Focused and Share Your Story
The chronic disease community is about 1 in every 3 Americans. We are in every state, every community, and every family. If we can improve the healthcare system for chronic disease patients through better diagnostics, early and effective interventions, and affordable and accessible treatments, we all get better. Sharing your story with the CDC helps us educate policymakers about life as a chronic disease patient.