If you’re like us, one of your New Year’s resolutions may have been to be a stronger, more consistent advocate on the issues that you care about. Well, you’re in the right place.
Engaging in health care advocacy can sometimes be daunting amid a confusing legislative process, wonky policy jargon and ever-changing deadlines. Luckily, the Chronic Disease Coalition has made it easy for you to learn where, when and how you can advocate on the issues that impact our community of chronic disease patients.
Whether it’s copay accumulator bans, Medigap expansion, telehealth access or disease discrimination, we have something for everyone looking to join the fight.
Learn more about each of our policy issues below and act by signing a petition today. It takes just 30 seconds!
Expanding Access to Telehealth
Supporting the expansion of telehealth services that both improve patients’ access to care and provide fair payment for providers is crucial amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Help us expand telehealth access this year and in the future!
Addressing Step Therapy and Prior Authorization
Step therapy, also known as fail first treatment, is when an insurance company requires a patient to try and fail on cheaper treatment options before approving the doctor's initial prescription.
Protecting Third Party Premium Assistance
Third-party copayment assistance helps patients afford life-saving medications. Harmful copay accumulator programs stop third-party payments from counting towards a patient’s deductible, leaving patients with exorbitant out-of-pocket costs.
Establishing and Monitoring Chronic Disease Task Forces
Chronic Kidney Disease Task Forces and Rare Disease Advisory Councils provide two valuable opportunities to elevate the patient's voice within state legislatures. More than 14 states have already brought RDACs into the local legislatures with more on the way.
Expanding Medigap Coverage
Medigap plans cover some of the medication and treatment costs that traditional Medicare does not pay, but this is not the case for many chronic disease patients under the age of 65. Although they qualify for Medicare, depending on their state, they may be barred from buying a Medigap plan.
Protecting Access to Care
Access to care is a fundamental part of our mission at the Chronic Disease Coalition and we are eager to amplify patients who have experienced discrimination in the workplace, at school and in daily life so we can better inform policy conversations throughout the country.
If you would like to learn more about or get involved with any of these issues in your local legislature, contact us at joinus@chronicdiseasecoalition.org or sign up for our newsletter!