Calling all Rheumatologists: FTC Request for Comments
In an effort to gather information about the impact pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have on drug pricing and access to administration, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened a public comment period.

Feedback is critical as it may prompt the FTC to move forward with a comprehensive review of the industry and recommend reforms to Congress. To ensure the physician perspective is represented, CSRO has developed talking points to assist rheumatologists in responding.

Make your voice heard and join CSRO in submitting your comments before the April 25 deadline.
Recording & Resources Available: Obtaining an Override from Insurers & Employers Webinar
Yesterday, CSRO President Dr. Madelaine Feldman was joined by CSRO's Payer Issue Response Team members Julie Baak, Nilsa Cruz and Karen Ferguson for a webinar sharing insight on how to move through the roadblocks presented by payer and PBM mandates.

These experts shared tips from their experience on-the-job, as well as reviewed a step-by-step appeal process. The webinar recording, presentation materials, and a document outlining the appeal process are available resources in CSRO's Education Library.
Legislation Around the Country
ICYMI: Opportunity For Action in Your State
The following states have active legislation that need your support - make your voice heard today: 
What's Happening in the States
CSRO tracks legislative activity relevant to the rheumatology community and their patients. Check out the list below to see the status of CSRO priority bills from the past two weeks. For a full status report on all the bills CSRO tracks, click here.

Be sure to check out our interactive legislative map tool for additional information about current policy in your state. Plus, don't forget to add your state to your email profile here to receive state-specific updates and action alerts via email.
FLORIDA
Step Therapy
  • SB 730: Substituted HB 459, read a second time.
HAWAII
Accumulator Programs
  • SB 2443: Received from the Senate referred to HHH, CPC, and FIN committees
KENTUCKY
Rebate Pass Through
  • SB 134: Introduced and referred to Banking and Insurance Committee
Step Therapy
  • SB 140: Passed full House unanimously
White Bagging
  • HB 457: Reported favorably by Health and Family Service committee
MINNESOTA
Non-medical Switching
  • SF 131: Re-introduced
  • HF 58: Committee report to adopt and re-refer to Health and Finance Policy
MISSOURI
Accumulator Programs
  • SB 1031: Referred to Senate Insurance and Banking committee
Step Therapy
  • SB 959: Hearing held
Rebate Pass Through
  • SB 112: Referred to Insurance and Banking Committee
NEBRASKA
White Bagging
  • LB 943: Approved by committee 
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Rebate Pass Through
  • HB 1580: Committee reports – inexpedient to legislate
OKLAHOMA
Rebate Pass Through
  • SB 1324: Reported do pass as amended by Senate committee
  • HB 4087: Reported do pass as amended by House committee
SOUTH CAROLINA
Rebate Pass Through
  • S 647: Referred to Committee on Banking and Insurance
TENNESSEE
Step Therapy
  • HB 677: Recommendations do pass as amended, placed on calendar to Government Operations Committee
  • SB 1310: Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee Calendar for 3/15/22
White Bagging
  • HB 2233: Placed on calendar for Insurance Subcommittee on 3/15/22
  • SB 2459: Placed on calendar for Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on 3/15/22
WASHINGTON
Accumulator Programs
  • SB 5610: Final passage, Senate concurs in House amendments 
Questions?
Please visit the CSRO website for other news and updates, and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions at info@csro.info.
CSRO is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring access to the highest quality care for the management of rheumatologic diseases - donate today.