News & Advocacy

State Update: Lawmaker's Prepare for Summer Break

posted: May 1, 2016

Advocates have been scrambling to engage Ohio legislators as the General Assembly prepares to adjourn for summer break. The OAR has actively advocated in support of several key issues this session that have garnered numerous sponsorships from House and Senate legislators.

Members of the OAR gathered in Columbus back in April to educate lawmaker’s on their legislative initiatives. The group focused on step therapy, prior authorization and biological products.

Since the meeting, some of the initiatives have been favorably funneled through the legislative process, while other bills have sat stagnant in committee.

OAR Priority Bill Update:

• Step Therapy (SB243/HB443): Both in committee.
• Prior Authorization (SB129): In committee.
• Biological Products (HB505): Passed out of the House 96-0 and in the Senate.

The OAR and a collection of stakeholders in Ohio will be gathering in the coming weeks to discuss targeting plans for key legislators. Speculation about when the General Assembly will reconvene has been limited, but sources believe legislators will not be back in action until after the November election.

The break in action will provide the OAR and advocate partners with an opportunity to evaluate current efforts and make adjustments where necessary. Until then, the OAR will continue to provide advocacy opportunities and updates throughout the summer.

For a complete recap on the advocacy day and legislative priorities, please visit the advocacy section of OAR website.