News & Advocacy

2016 Arthritis Access & Advocacy Day

posted: April 21, 2016

Presented by Ohio Association of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation
Columbus, Ohio

Left: Rep. Dorothy Pelanda
Right: Rep. Steve Huffman

Ohio Association of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation joined together for the 3rd Annual Advocacy Day on Thursday, April 21, 2016.

Another year of successful advocacy was achieved during the Third Annual Advocacy and Access Day. Presented by Ohio Rheumatology Association in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation at Columbus State House on Thursday, April 21, 2016. The joint program started with legislative meeting training presentations and concluded with advocate hill visits with over 65 physician and patient advocates.

Senator Shannon Jones, gave an update on the step therapy bill. Rep. Steve Huffman, who is also a physician, joined by his co- primary sponsor, Rep. Dorothy Pelanda, shared that the biologics bill was well received during a sponsor/proponent hearing and predicted the bill would move quickly through the House, which means there is a possibility of passage this session.

Senator Shannon Jones

OAR's own advocates joined in sharing their stories and concerns for the day; Dr.Elisabeth Rotor shared stories of her patients who suffered because they could not be treated in a timely manner. This was due to the extended wait time and appeals process with prior authorization.

Dr. Stephanie Ott, president of OAR, completed the program with additional relevant information about what biosimilars are and why provider notification is essential. She then gave tips for a successful legislative meeting.

Priority 1: Issue Brief: Reforming Step Therapy Protocols - HB 443 / SB 243
Priority 2: Streamlining Prior Authorization Requirements - SB 129
Priority 3: Issue Brief: Biological Products-Regulate/Pharmacist Substitution - HB 505