September Hustle Bustle on the Hill<\/b><\/p>\n
After a long and relatively slow August Recess, members of Congress are returning to Washington, D.C on Monday, September 9th. At the top of their priorities is preventing a government shutdown. With national elections ahead in November, lawmakers in both parties will be focused on passing a continuing resolution before government funds run out on September 30th.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, lawmakers are working to pass important healthcare legislation that has been in the works since the start of the 118th Congress. This includes legislation relating to utilization management (prior authorization and step therapy), pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform, and federal telehealth coverage extensions. Among one of the bills being considered is the <\/span>Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act<\/span><\/a> (S. 2372\/H.R. 4758). The legislation, which HA has been championing, was reported out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee back in June.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The legislation will most likely be brought up during the \u201cLame Duck Session\u201d in December.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n HA Support for Step Therapy Exemption Process<\/b><\/p>\n The Hydrocephalus Association has joined others in the National Health Council in urging Congress to pass the <\/span>Safe Step Act<\/span><\/a> (S.652\/H.R.2630) before the end of the 118th Congress. The bipartisan legislation would establish a step therapy exemption process for patients on employer sponsored group health plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The insurance practice, which forces beneficiaries to \u201cfail\u201d first on cheaper, alternative medications, causes timely delays to access for drugs prescribed to hydrocephalus patients. An exemption process would allow patients to opt out of the process if alternative medications are ineffective, would lead to nonreversible consequences or prevent them from completing daily responsibilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To view Hydrocephalus Association CEO Diana Gray\u2019s statement on the legislation, click <\/span>HERE<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Continued Caucus Growth!<\/b><\/p>\n August brought two new members onto the Congressional Hydrocephalus Caucus, both as the first member from their state delegation. The Caucus now has 34 members.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) became the first member from Massachusetts to join. A former marine officer and champion in the mental health space, he will be a major asset moving forward. We want to give thanks to two Massachusstts advocates, Jennifer Miles and Gabriel Abott, who were instrumental in his new membership.<\/span><\/p>\n Our second new member, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-09), became the first member from Michigan. Her commitment to the Caucus reinforces the strong hydrocephalus community present in the state. Michigan’s advocates, Kate Bianchi, Janay Harris, and Emily Sajor were integral in educating the Congresswoman\u2019s office about the hydrocephalus community.<\/span><\/p>\n For those considering involvement in hydrocephalus advocacy, the time is now! Please contact <\/span>Davis@hydroassoc.org<\/span><\/a> to become involved. It’s simple and easy!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE<\/b><\/p>\n Wednesday, September 4 <\/b>Hydrocephalus Advocacy Update, TOMORROW<\/b><\/p>\n Be sure to visit our awesome <\/span>Advocacy Center<\/span><\/a> and take action on our legislative alerts. We need to ensure that Congress is hearing us loudly! Want to deep dive into these issues? Don’t forget to join us for our next Advocacy Update September 4th at 7:00 pm Eastern. If you haven\u2019t signed up yet, <\/span>click here to register.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n September <\/b>Hydrocephalus Awareness Month\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n September is <\/span>Hydrocephalus Awareness Month<\/span><\/a>! This is a great time to spread awareness through social media. Please STAY TUNED for ways to engage your local members of Congress during the month!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n September-November <\/b>Walk Season<\/b><\/p>\n Fall means WALK SEASON! Cities around the country are hosting in-person walks to spread awareness and raise money for the hydrocephalus community. With Hydrocephalus Awareness Month coming up, they are a great opportunity to meet others in your local hydrocephalus community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To find a WALK close to you, please visit our <\/span>WEBSITE <\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\r\n Was this resource helpful?<\/h3>\r\n <\/div>\r\n