WASHINGTON (April 13, 2023) - As part of the Safe Step Coalition, SDPA applauds lawmakers for introducing the Safe Step Act into the 118th Congress for consideration.
The Senate bill (S.652) does not ban the use of step therapy, instead it places common sense parameters and reasonable timelines around the practice. The legislation gives patients and their doctors a transparent and standardized process to appeal step therapy requirements for patients needing a particular treatment, according to the Coalition.
In the U.S. Senate, the Safe Step Act is sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) Doc Marshall (R-Kan.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). The House, similar legislation is sponsored by Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05) Lucy McBath (D-GA-6) Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)
The Safe Step Act mirrors legislation passed in more than three dozen states across the country. When passed into law, the legislation will bring similar patient protections to employer health plans that are regulated on the federal level. Senate bill may be accessed here. House Bill: TBD The Coalition's related press release dated April 13, 2023 may be accessed here.
