Federal Action Alerts

Below are a list of issues we are taking action on at the federal level. Please contact your members of Congress and share these alerts to encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Protect the Americans with Disabilities Act: Urge Congress to Oppose HR 620!

Congress is once again considering the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620), which would weaken protections for people living with disabilities. H.R. 620 has passed the House and is moving to the Senate. Urge your Senator to oppose H.R. 620 today!
Thank Congress for Passing the FDA Reauthorization Act

On August 3, 2017, the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the House-passed FDA Reauthorization Act, which will reauthorize the FDA's user fee agreements. These agreements provide funding for the FDA to promptly review and approve new drugs and devices and accelerate the pace of biomedical innovation. Thank Congress for passing this important legislation today.
Tell Congress: Protect State Access to Medical Cannabis Laws

On Monday, March 23, 2018, the president signed the FY2018 budget deal into law. In recent years an amendment has been included in the annual funding bills to prohibit the Department of Justice from using federal funds to prevent states from implementing their own medical cannabis laws. Urge Congress to again include this amendment in the FY19 funding package.
Tell Congress to Support Federal Funding for CDC Epilepsy Programs

Congress is currently considering 2019 funding levels for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Epilepsy Program, which helps build safer communities for people living with epilepsy. Urge your legislators to support $9.5 million in funding within the CDC for programs and initiatives that improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy.
URGENT: Tell Congress to Preserve CHIP's Funding!

Earlier this year, Congress passed, and the President signed, a law extending funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program for ten years. However, CHIP's funding is in danger yet again due to rescissions proposed by the Administration. Tell Congress to keep CHIP's funding safe!

State Action Alerts

Below are a list of issues we are taking action on at the state level. If you live in one of the affected states please take action and contact your local legislators.

Create Access to FDA-approved Therapies in Hawaii

The Hawaii legislature is considering legislation (HB 1893) that would allow therapies derived from cannabidiol (CBD) and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to become available in the state. It is crucial to create access to innovative, FDA-approved prescription medications. Urge your representative to support HB 1893!
Tell Iowa State Legislators: Prevent Insurers from Making Mid-Year Changes to Prescription Drug Coverage

In Iowa, House Study Bill 516 and Senate Study Bill 3003, would prevent insurers from changing the medications they cover in the middle of the plan year. Changes to health plans mid-year are concerning to the epilepsy community because epilepsy medications are not interchangeable and individuals rely on them to maintain seizure control. Urge your representatives to support HSB 516 and SSB 3003!
Protect Access to Epilepsy Care in New Jersey

New Jersey has introduced legislation, Assembly Bill 999, which would place limits on the use of step therapy protocols by insurers and expand access to physician-directed care for people with epilepsy and other chronic conditions. Tell your representative to support A.B. 999!
Create Access to FDA-approved Therapies in Colorado

The Colorado legislature just passed legislation (HB 18-1187) that would allow therapies derived from cannabidiol (CBD) and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to become available in the state. It is crucial to create access to innovative, FDA-approved prescription medications. Urge Governor Hickenlooper to sign HB 18-1187 into law!
Create Access to FDA-approved Therapies in New York

The New York legislature is considering legislation (A.B. A7410) that would allow therapies derived from cannabidiol (CBD) and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to become available in the state. It is crucial to create access to innovative, FDA-approved prescription medications. Urge your representative to support A.B. A7410!
Protect Access to Epilepsy Care in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has introduced legislation that would enhance access to high quality, affordable, and transparent health care. Take action and contact your legislators today!
Tell Connecticut State Legislators: Prevent Insurers from Making Mid-Year Changes to Prescription Drug Coverage

In Connecticut, Senate Bill 379 will prevent insurers from changing the medications they cover in the middle of the plan year. Changes to health plans mid-year are concerning to the epilepsy community because epilepsy medications are not interchangeable and individuals rely on them to maintain seizure control. Urge your legislators to support S.B. 379!
Tell New York State Legislators: Prevent Insurers from Making Mid-Year Changes to Prescription Drug

In New York, Assembly Bill A2317B and Senate Bill S5022B, would prevent insurers from changing the medications they cover in the middle of the plan year. Changes to health plans mid-year are concerning to the epilepsy community because epilepsy medications are not interchangeable and individuals rely on them to maintain seizure control. The bill has passed the NY State Assembly and is moving forward to the Senate.Thank your representative for supporting A.2317-B/S.5022-B and urge your senator to support this legislation!
Ask The Michigan Legislature to Improve Access to Medications in Medicaid

In Michigan, Senate Bill 823 would improve across to medications for epilepsy in the Medicaid program by eliminating prior authorization requirements. Prior authorization is the process that many health insurance companies use to determine if they will cover a prescribed service or medication. This process can often prevent or delay access to the particular treatment option that a physician feels is the most appropriate for an individual. Tell your senator to support S.B. 823!
Tell Illinois State Legislators: Prevent Insurers from Making Mid-Year Changes to Prescription Drug Coverage

In Illinois, the Epilepsy Foundation is strongly supporting House Bill 4146, which will prevent insurers from changing the medications they cover in the middle of the plan year. Changes to health plans mid-year are concerning to the epilepsy community because epilepsy medications are not interchangeable and individuals rely on them to maintain seizure control. Urge your legislators to move the bill forward and support H.B. 4146!
Keep Epilepsy Medication Affordable in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, Senate Bill 2532 has been introduced, which would make it harder for individuals to afford their medications by prohibiting the financial support manufacturers provide via copay cards from counting toward an individual’s deductible. Tell your state senator to keep epilepsy medication affordable by opposing SB 2532!
Keep Epilepsy Medication Affordable in Vermont

In Vermont, House Bill 775 has been introduced, which would make it harder for individuals to afford their medications by prohibiting drug manufacturers from offering copay assistance to individuals. Urge your state legislator to keep epilepsy medication affordable by opposing H.775!
URGENT: Protect Epilepsy Funding in Iowa

For the past 10 years, the Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa has received state funding to support individuals impacted by epilepsy. However, this year the Department of Public Health cut the $150,000 allocation. Now, the Legislature is deciding if the funding should be restored. Urge your legislators to protect epilepsy funding in the budget.
Urge the Iowa Legislature to Support Improvements to the Medical Cannabis Program Today

Last year, the Governed signed legislation, House File 524, that created a comprehensive medical cannabis program in Iowa. Current legislation, Senate File 2405, would make much needed improvements to the medical cannabis program. Take action now to urge your legislators to pass SF 2405!
Protect Access to Epilepsy Care in Rhode Island!

Rhode Island has proposed legislation, House Bill 8254, which would place limits on the use of step therapy protocols by insurers and expand access to physician-directed care for people with epilepsy and other chronic conditions. The House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare is hearing the bill on June 6th. Urge the committee members to support this bill!
Tell Governor Snyder to Oppose Senate Bill 897

The Michigan legislature has passed Senate Bill 897, which would require the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to pursue work requirements for Medicaid eligibility. This would create new and serious barriers to accessing healthcare by requiring people enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program to either prove they work 30 hours per week or meet exemptions. If passed, this policy would jeopardize access to care for individuals with chronic conditions, such as epilepsy, who rely on Medicaid for their health coverage. Tell Governor Snyder to oppose SB 897!