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This week on July 10, rheumatologists and their practice partners from across the country gathered for CSRO's Virtual Advocacy Day to connect with Members of Congress and discuss federal proposals that would benefit patients, physicians, and practices.
The issues being discussed focused on changes to utilization management practices, meaningful and timely reform of the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry, and codification of patients’ ability to use the full value of copay assistance – find more details in CSRO's Virtual Advocacy Day issue briefs.
The group heard from 10 bipartisan, bicameral Members of Congress, including champions of pieces of legislation CSRO has been advocating. For example, Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, spoke to us about his proposal to reform and streamline prior authorization processes in Medicare Advantage, the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act. Senator Marshall, an OB/GYN by training, reflected on his time in practice as the impetus for the legislation.
Representative Buddy Carter spoke about his HELP Copays Act, a bill introduced in a bipartisan fashion in both the House and Senate, that would put into statute the current allowance of patients to utilize their full copay assistance. Representative Kim Schrier, a Democrat from Washington state, spoke about her experience as both a pediatrician and patient living with Type 1 diabetes.
With it being a busy day on Capitol Hill, CSRO appreciated the opportunity to share our experiences directly and highlight the issues that are impacting the rheumatology community.
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