We have an exciting opportunity to advance the Safe Step Act and the HELP Copays Act. The Senate HELP Committee might include these bills in an upcoming markup, which is a formal meeting to pass the bills out of Committee.
The Safe Step Act would help individuals access their medication in time. It would ensure that patients can seek an exception if their health plan delays covering medically necessary treatment by requiring the patient to try and fail on a different medication first.
The HELP Copays Act would help individuals afford their treatments. It would ensure that copay assistance is counted towards a plan holder’s deductible and out of pocket maximum.
The upcoming markup is expected to address pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which contract with health plans to design drug formularies. PBMs frequently impose restrictions on coverage and patient assistance. Any PBM reform must address unfair barriers to care at the patient level.
This is a pivotal moment and we need all hands on deck. Click here to email your Senators today!