Advocacy Updates - April 2024

State Updates

While it is still early in the year, we have already seen great movement in the states, particularly Oregon, Virginia, Vermont, and Michigan!

Oregon’s Copay Accumulator bill HB 4113 passed unanimously and was signed into law by the governor on March 27! This bill, 4 years in the making, will ensure that all copays count toward a patient’s cost-sharing requirements in state-regulated plans.

NPF advocacy staff joined the Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders group at the Salem, OR capitol to advocate for HB 4113. Pictured second from left is our sponsor of the bill, Representative Levy.

Lucy joined the Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders group at the Salem capitol to advocate for HB 4113. Pictured second from left is our sponsor of the bill, Representative Levy.

In Vermont, the House unanimously voted to pass H. 766, a bill reforming step therapy. Next step is the Senate!
In Virginia, two bills addressing medical debt (HB34 and HB1370) passed both chambers and are now on the Governor’s desk waiting for signatures.
We are working diligently in Michigan on both a step therapy bill and a copay accumulator bill. We hope to see significant movement and ultimately, passage later this year or next. The same with a copay accumulator bill in Missouri.
In February NPF advocacy staff traveled to Raleigh, NC to meet with the Department of Insurance about the implementation of their step therapy law. We continue work towards educating and raising awareness among both patients and providers in the state to ensure the law is being carried out to its fullest extent to protect patients.

NPF advocacy staff in North Carolina in February at the Department of Insurance along with Charlene Cowell of Fair Health NC.

Sarah and Sam in North Carolina in February at the Department of Insurance along with Charlene Cowell of Fair Health NC.

Federal Updates

In early January, Congress signaled that it was considering adding a health package, referred to as pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. One of NPF’s major policy priorities, the Safe Step Act, was included in the negotiations (see this note from our CEO, Leah). Advocates sent over 670 messages (amazing!) to Capitol Hill urging Congress to pass PBM reform and include the Safe Step Act. Unfortunately, Congress decided to punt PBM reform until the end of the year. We appreciate all of the advocates that flagged the issue for their legislators, and we look forward to continuing the effort through the end of the year!