VA Gov. Northam Signs Step Therapy Reform Bill Into Law
On Tuesday, March 12, Virginia joined the ranks of 22 states that have passed legislation to curb step therapy. House Bill 2126, which was signed into law by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, reforms step therapy, or “fail first,” insurance protocols that force patients to try and fail an insurer-preferred medication before the medication their doctor originally prescribed. This legislation places important guardrails to protect patients from the inappropriate use of burdensome step therapy protocols.
Patients and providers have been working hand in hand on reformingstep therapyprotocols in Virginia since 2016. Countless touchpoints with legislators have gotten us across the finish line, including letters sent to legislators,op-edspublished in local newspapers, coalition-based initiatives through Fair Health Care VA and even state legislative days with in-person legislator meetings in Richmond.
Dr. Harry Gewanter, Arthritis Foundation Ambassador and chair of the Virginia advocacy committee, played an instrumental role in the success of this bill. Of the step therapy win, Dr. Gewanter says: “This legislation will help patients receive appropriate therapies when their unique circumstances need personalized treatment and ensure that the patient-physician relationship remains at the center of care decisions.”
The Arthritis Foundation thanks all legislators who have supported the bill, specifically Delegate Davis, who has championed this bill for four years.You can share your gratitude with the legislature as well!
You can learn more about advocacy and amplifying your voice by becoming an Arthritis Foundation Advocate!Sign up today!
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