Advocacy — 2021 AADA Virtual Legislative Conference

Taking your voice to D.C.

During the second annual AADA Virtual Legislative Conference, held on Sept. 23-28, we brought some of the most vital dermatologic issues to members of Congress, and it made a difference. Notably, more than 150 of you advocated for Medicare stability and step therapy reform.

Specifically, you and your patient advocates urged Congress to:

• Stop scheduled Medicare payment cuts of up to 10% from taking effect in 2022.

• Implement step therapy reforms that will improve patient access to treatments and keep you as the ultimate decisionmaker in patient care.

Your participation in over 200 virtual meetings resulted in significant change:

• Rep. Ami Bera, MD, and Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD, led a letter to congressional leadership, urging action to prevent Medicare payment cuts. Of the 247 members of Congress who signed the letter, 57 signed on after a meeting with Legislative Conference attendees.

• 10 new cosponsors (1 senator, 9 representatives) were added to the Safe Step Act (H.R. 2163/S. 464).

We’re counting on your voice to help us achieve legislative wins for the specialty. Check out more highlights from the second annual AADA Virtual Legislative Conference, and find out how you can get involved in AADA advocacy.