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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.

  • Tell Congress to Protect Medicare’s Six Protected Classes Policy!

    During past fights to protect the Six Protected Classes, Congress played a critical role in reminding the Administration about the policy’s purpose and getting it to pull back dangerous proposals that would have harmed beneficiary access. Tell your members of Congress to stand up alongside you and tell the Administration to stop these changes!

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.

  • Seizure Safe School Bill Introduced in Massachusetts!

    Massachusetts has introduced legislation, HD 3251, which would improve the care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders in schools by mandating training for all school personnel in seizure recognition and first-aid response, requiring all schools to have a Seizure Action Plan for students with epilepsy, and ensuring the administration of FDA-approved medications prescribed to the student.

  • Tell Iowa Legislators to Prevent Mid-Year Formulary Changes: Support Senate File 292!

    In Iowa, Senate File 292 would prevent insurers from changing the medications they cover in the middle of the plan year or institute step therapy. 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. Without this bill, individuals who are stable on their medications may be forced to switch. Urge the Senate Human Resources Committee members to support S.F. 292!

  • Keep Iowa Schools Safe

    In Iowa, Senate Study Bill 1190 would eliminate both the requirement for a school district to employ a school nurse, as well as the nurse to student ratio. School nurses play a critical role in optimizing student health, safety, and learning and are especially important for students living with chronic conditions, such as epilepsy, who may require specialized care during the school day. Urge your state senator to oppose SSB 1190!

  • Urge Your Legislators to Support Sam's Law!

    Texas has introduced legislation, HB 684 and SB 1044, which would mandate training for all school personnel in seizure recognition and first-aid response. This legislation, known as Sam’s Law, would bring awareness and provide school personnel with information and training to best respond to a student experiencing a seizure. The house bill has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education. In order to move the bill forward, it must pass out of committee. Urge your legislators to support Sam's Law!

  • Keep Epilepsy Medication Affordable in New Hampshire

    In New Hampshire, House Bill 717 would prohibit prescription drug manufacturers from offering coupons or discounts to cover insurance copayments or deductibles. Copay assistance programs help people afford the medications prescribed by their physician. The House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs is holding a hearing on HB 717 today! Tell your legislators to oppose HB 717!

  • Seizure Safe School Bill Moving Forward in Indiana!

    Indiana has introduced legislation, HB 1089, which would improve the care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders in schools. However, the legislation in its current form only mandates training in seizure recognition and first-aid response training for school nurses and the teacher of record. We know this is not enough. Urge your legislators to amend the bill to include ALL teachers working with a student diagnosed with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.

  • Protect Access to Epilepsy Care in Maine

    Maine has introduced legislation this session, Legislative Document 1009 (LD 1009), 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. On March 14, 2019, epilepsy advocates will be at the State Capitol asking members of the Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services to support this bill. They need your help! Ask your legislators to pass LD 1009!

  • New York Budget Threatens Individuals with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities

    The New York Assembly included a provision in their budget proposal that would allow for the use of quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs). Methods such as QALYs that are used to determine the value of treatments are well-known to discriminate against individuals with chronic conditions, seniors, and people with disabilities. Urge key legislators to prohibit the use of discriminatory methods and protect New Yorkers!

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