Angie Thies – National Psoriasis Foundation
State Govt. Relations Manager
614.208.3794 / athies@psoriasis.org
Senators pass SB26 on voice vote to update insurer policy that delays access to provider-prescribed medications
MADISON, WI (June 5, 2019) – The Wisconsin State Senate passed legislation today on a unanimous voice vote to improve an insurer process known as step therapy. Senate Bill 26 (SB26), which will put commonsense patient protections in place, now moves to a full Assembly vote, according to the Wisconsin Step Therapy Coalition – a statewide organization representing individuals with chronic diseases and health care providers.
“We are so thankful for the support of Wisconsin’s Senators who voted to pass legislation that will help eliminate delays and ensure patients have quicker access to the medications their doctors prescribe, instead of having to try and fail-first on other medications,” said Angie Thies, state government relations manager for the National Psoriasis Foundation and Wisconsin Step Therapy Coalition leader. “In the past, those with chronic, progressive and complex conditions have suffered under the practice of step therapy, sometimes having to wait as long as 4 years to get the medication that their doctor prescribed because of step therapy. SB 26 will restore the physicians’ and patients’ relationship and ability to access the right medication, at the right time. This solution has emerged from the thoughtful input of patients, physicians, insurers and received widespread bipartisan support from legislators across the state. We are especially thankful for the leadership, passion and dedication of Senator Alberta Darling, who helped author the bill. We are hopeful that the Wisconsin Assembly will act on the legislation in the coming weeks.”
The Wisconsin Step Therapy Coalition has continued to commend chief authors of the legislation Rep. John Nygren (R – Marinette), Rep. Loren Oldenburg (R – Viroqua), Sen. Alberta Darling (R – River Hills) and Sen. André Jacque (R – De Pere) for supporting those with chronic illnesses and health care providers around the state.
Those interested in supporting the Wisconsin Step Therapy Coalition effort can follow the coalition on Facebook, Twitter @WIStepTherapy and are encouraged to contact their local legislators.
Members of the Wisconsin Step Therapy Coalition include: AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin; Allergy & Asthma Network; Alliance for Patient Access; American Academy of Dermatology Association; American Diabetes Association; American College of Rheumatology; American Lung Association in Wisconsin; Arthritis Foundation; Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations; Coalition of Wisconsin Aging and Health Groups; Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation; Epilepsy Foundation; Global Healthy Living Foundation; Hometown Pharmacy; International Cancer Advocacy Network; International Pain Foundation; Mental Health America of Wisconsin; Multiple Sclerosis Association of America; National Alliance on Mental Illness – Dane County; National Alliance on Mental Illness Wisconsin; National Infusion Center Association; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; National Organization for Rare Disorders; National Psoriasis Foundation; The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; US Pain Foundation; Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians; Wisconsin Asthma Coalition; Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association; and the Wisconsin Rheumatology Association.
