Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO)

News

CSRO Hosts First Annual Hill Day

July 28, 2021

On July 27, Coalition of State Rheumatology Organization (CSRO) advocates from around the country virtually assembled to voice their policy concerns with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. CSRO leadership has routinely conferenced with federal lawmakers over the years, but this was the first time the meetings were designated as a formal Hill Day.

Advocates were able to express their support for federal policies that improve access to quality care for chronically ill patients. They discussed the current challenges their practices encounter, and the burden that their patients face every day without meaningful reform. Most importantly, they were able to help ensure that future legislation reflects the reality of cognitive care delivery.

The Hill Day topics included:

Safe Step Act (S. 464/H.R. 2163), which would establish a clear, transparent, and streamlined appeals process for step therapy protocols in employer sponsored plans.
Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3173), which would make several improvements to prior authorization in Medicare Advantage, including for medical benefit drugs.
Medicare Payment Policy: Urges members of Congress to Congress to extend financial relief to physicians facing the looming threat of sequestration and Medicare conversion factor reimbursement cuts.
Patient Access to Prescription Drugs: Urges members of Congress to protect access to Part B medications by rejecting further cuts to provider reimbursement for administering these medications, and instead pursue proposals to maximize access to the most cost-effective setting for medical benefit drug administration: the physician’s office.

As Congress continues to debate healthcare reforms that impact rheumatology, the CSRO will continue to speak with representatives on Capitol Hill and share the real-world impact that federal health policy has on rheumatology practices, their patients, and the care delivery in their community.

View the the Issue Briefs, prep webinar recording and presentation slides in our Education Library.

Questions? Email info@csro.info.