Support the Safe Step Act H.R. 5509 / S. 2903

Legislators need to hear from you! Below is an opportunity to engage your legislator in support of step therapy reform, which would protect patient access and support the clinician-patient relationship.

Step therapy, also known as “fail first,” is a process used by health insurers to control costs. It requires patients to try and fail one or more medications preferred by the insurance company, typically a lower cost medicine, before being able to access the treatment their health care provider as prescribed. This creates challenges for patients and providers and often leads to delays in patients receiving the treatment prescribed by their clinician.

H.R. 5509 / S. 2903 limits step therapy protocols required by health insurance plans. The bill would support patient access by providing a transparent and clear exception process for clinicians and patients to get approval in a timely manner and for patients to access their necessary and critical treatment.

Dear [Lawmaker],

As your constituent, I am requesting your support for H.R. 5509 / S. 2903 relating to step therapy protocol reforms. This bill will ensure that the step therapy process used by health care insurers is streamlined, transparent and efficient.

Patients work with their health care team to address their unique health care situation and having timely access to treatment options is critical in ensuring good outcomes. Onerous step therapy requirements are a barrier that should be addressed in order to protect patients.

Step therapy, also known as "fail first," is a process used by health insurers to control costs. It requires patients to try and fail one or more medications preferred by the insurance company, typically a lower cost medicine, before being able to access the treatment their health care provider as prescribed. This creates challenges for patients and providers and often leads to delays in patients receiving the treatment prescribed by their doctor.

H.R. 5509 / S. 2903 will protect patients by limiting the step therapy protocols for treatments prescribed by their clinicians. The bill does not prohibit step therapy, but improves the current process by strengthening the appeals process, outlining an exemption process and adding timelines for approvals.

Please support H.R. 5509 / S. 2903 to reform step therapy and help patients access the care they need.

Sincerely,
______

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