SAIM Coalition Honors State Lawmakers for Work to Improve Patient Access to Medication Honorees championed legislation to curb high out-of-pocket costs, step therapy Members of the State Access to Innovative Medicines (SAIM) Coalition today recognized four state lawmakers for their work to pass legislation aimed at improving patient access to prescription medications. Assemblyman Daniel…
New Videos Show How “Fail First” Policies Can Fail Patients By Ben Chandhok Continued access to a stable treatment can make all the difference for patients with chronic illnesses like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDs and more. Interruptions in treatment can lead to disease progression and unnecessary medical expenses like hospitalization or surgery. In…
Wisconsin Passes Step Therapy Reform On July 9, 2019, Governor Tony Evers signed legislation that will put common sense patient protections in place for the practice of step therapy. The legislation becomes effective January 1, 2020 and will protect Wisconsonites insured through state regulated, individual market plans. Health care providers will have access to a…
Step Therapy Reform Signed into Law in Delaware Advocates and SAIM Coalition members joined forces in Delaware to pass step therapy reform. With unanimous committee and floor votes, HB 105 had overwhelming support from the legislature. The bill was championed by Melissa Minor-Brown in the House as well as Senator David McBride and Senator Nicole…
Provider Interview: Challenges of Step Therapy Rheumatologist Angus Worthing speaks about the challenges that step therapy presents to providers and patients as they work together to develop appropriate treatment plans.
Patient Interview: Psoriatic Arthritis and Step Therapy Katie Roberts speaks about her experiences living with psoriatic arthritis and the challenges of finding a treatment that works for her.
Patient Interview: Sarcoidosis and Step Therapy Sandra Cobb speaks about her experience being diagnosed and living with sarcoidosis, including the barriers that she faced in seeking treatment.
Patient Interview: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Step Therapy Jen Melanson speaks about her experiences living with rheumatoid arthritis and navigating step therapy protocols to get the treatment she needs.
Georgia Joins Ranks of States Passing Step Therapy Reform Thanks in part to combined efforts of SAIM Coalition members, their respective patient and provider volunteers, and the local Rx in Reach coalition, Georgia House Bill 63 was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on April 25, granting necessary patient protections for those with…
Virginia Becomes 21st State to Pass Step Therapy Reform The SAIM Coalition applauds Virginia lawmakers for passing H.B. 2126 into law. Signed by Governor Northam on March 12, the law requires health insurers to establish a process for step therapy override exception guidelines. Led by Delegate Glenn R. Davis Jr. (R) from District 84…