We Represent You!
Advocacy is a key component of the Foundation’s mission. Our overarching goal is to preserve access to care for our community members in Pennsylvania. As such, we are involved with budgetary, policy and legislative issues that arise in Harrisburg. We are strategically positioned to be proactive in our advocacy efforts, while also being nimble enough to react when needed.
Under the leadership of both the Western and Eastern PA Bleeding Disorders Foundations, a coalition was formed that includes the seven HTCs in the state, the National Hemophilia Foundation, the Hemophilia Federation of America, and Milliron & Goodman Government Relations. This collaborative group is proud to represent You!
We frequently have meetings with the Department of Health, The Department of Human Services, the Insurance Commissioner’s Office and the Governor’s Office. In addition, we have developed strong relationships with legislative offices in both the PA House and Senate. We also get proclamations and resolutions adopted to recognize Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in March and World Hemophilia Day on April 17. Buildings and landmarks are lit in red across the state of PA. This is extremely rewarding work that benefits the entire bleeding disorders community.
Understand the Issues
- Maintain funding to all 7 Hemophilia Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania
- As we begin the FY 2022-23 budget process, we are asking the General Assembly to increase the $959,000 line item by $41,000 to $1,000,000. These funds are used to support patient centered care including the Consumer Advisory Council, mental health support, unified care plan, and patient assistance. Going into another year of the Covid-19 pandemic, patient barriers have increased the need for direct patient support is greater now than ever before.
- In addition, we continue to request the inclusion of language in the fiscal code to maintain the existing distribution of funding to the HTCs and to keep the hemophilia line item as a separate line item in the budget bill.
- End Co-Pay Accumulators in Pennsylvania
- Several states have already eliminated accumulator programs, and we are working to eliminate them in Pennsylvania. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced that would protect patients from having their prescription drug co-pay assistance programs undercut by their health insurer or pharmacy benefit managers. Introduced by Reps. Barbara Gleim (R-Cumberland County) and Mark Longietti (D-Mercer County), HB 1664 along with Senate Bill 196, would eliminate co-pay accumulator programs statewide.
- Improve Prior Authorization and Fail First for Pennsylvanians
- SB 225: Amends the Insurance Company Law by including a standard definition of prior
authorization. It will also significantly streamline the process by requiring insurers
to make available an electronic communications network that permits prior authorization requests to be submitted electronically, and authorizations and adverse determinations to likewise be returned electronically. - Update: On June 23, 2021, SB 225, as amended, passed unanimously out of the
Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Thank you to the members of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee for helping us take this important step forward. Please urge your legislators to continue this progress when the bill is up for a vote in the full Senate.
- SB 225: Amends the Insurance Company Law by including a standard definition of prior
What YOU Can Do To Help
- Become an Advocacy Ambassador
- Sign up to Receive Action Alerts
- Get to know your Legislators
- Vote on Election Day
Senator Haywood on the Do’s and Don’ts of Citizen Advocacy
Remember, you are your own best advocate. Let your voice be heard.
If you have any questions, would like to become an Advocacy Ambassador, or would like additional materials or information, please contact Kara Dornish, Executive Director at kara@wpcnhf.org or 724-741-6160.
