ACR issue briefsSupport the Patients' Access to Treatments Act
The Patients' Access to Treatments Act of 2012 (H.R.4209) was introduced by Rep. David B. McKinley (R-West Virginia) and Rep. Lois Capps (D-California) on March 19, 2012. This bill would limit co-payment, co-insurance or other cost-sharing requirements that insurance plans require for so-called "specialty" medications. By reducing out-of-pocket costs, this legislation would make access to innovative and necessary medications more available to patients with chronic, disabling or life-threatening conditions.
Below is more information on how you can support the Patients' Access to Treatments Act.
- Read Congressman McKinley's Dear Colleague letter.
- Learn more about the Patients' Access to Treatments Act by reading this overview.
- The American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation support the Patients' Access to Treatments Act of 2012. Read more on how the legislation may improve patient access to vital medications.
- The Arthritis Foundation takes a stand against excessive cost sharing for arthritis medications. Read "Excessive Cost Sharing as a Barrier to Health for People With Arthritis" by John Klippel, MD, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation.
- Read the USA Today article, "Specialty drugs offer hope, but can carry big price tags."
- Take action and support your constituents with rheumatic diseases by encouraging other lawmakers to improve patient access to critical treatments.
To learn more about your window of opportunity, or to schedule a meeting with the ACR, contact Erin Latimer at (404) 633-3777 or elatimer@rheumatology.org