Take action during the Digestive Disease National Coalition 

Virtual Fall Forum from November 14th-November 15th, 2022!

 "Timely Innovations in Digestive Disease Treatments"
Monday, November 14th from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Join policymakers, caregivers, patients, and industry leaders as the DDNC’s industry partners highlight the newest innovations in digestive disease treatment, and the policy priorities that would greatly impact the lives of digestive disease patients across the country. The event is open to the public, and we encourage anyone with an interest in digestive diseases to attend. Register at https://forms.gle/F7GWdArKPLCrX3LM8.

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Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83354516997

Agenda - Industry Partner Presentations:
•    Ardelyx, Inc. – highlighting IBSRELA, a novel, first-in class prescription medicine that works in three ways to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults
•    Seres Therapeutics – discussing revolutionary microbiome therapeutics and their impact on patients
•    VectivBio – presenting Apraglutide, an investigational drug being developed to treat patients who have Short Bowel Syndrome with intestinal failure
•    Mahana Therapeutics - presenting Mahana IBS, the first and only prescription digital therapeutic treating IBS symptoms with gut-directed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
•    Legislative Overview - Call to Action: Dale Dirks, DDNC Washington Rep. - Information for contacting your two Senators and House Representative to urge that they pass the Safe Step Act (HR 2163 / S 464) and the HELP Copays Act (HR 5801)

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On November 15th - CALL your Congress Representatives.

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Background Information:

Safe Step Act
The Safe Step Act (HR 2163 / S 464) would establish patient protections around insurance-mandated step therapy protocols. The bills call for a clear process for a patient or provider requesting an exception to step therapy protocols, and a swift review of the request. Requires a provider-prescribed treatment to be covered if an exception is warranted.

Please encourage federal legislators to improve patient access and address step therapy reform by passing the Safe Step Act before the end of the 116th Congress.

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HELP Copays Act (HR 5801)

This bill requires health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements.

 

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