With 2023 state legislative sessions underway, the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and State Affiliates are continuing collaborations to advanced shared advocacy priorities at the state level. ASCO’s 2023 state advocacy priorities include prior authorization and step therapy reform, fertility preservation coverage, Medicaid expansion, drug repository programs, and copay accumulators.

The vast majority of states convened in January, with the remainder scheduled to go into session in the coming weeks and months. ASCO members hit the ground running and have already made their voices heard in state houses across the country.

• On January 17, Dr. Yogesh Jethava of the Indiana Oncology Society (IOS - Indiana) testified before the Indiana House Committee on Public Health in support of the creation of a drug repository program. The bill passed committee and awaits further consideration on the House floor. Read ASCO’s Position Statement on Drug Repository programs.

• On January 20, Dr. Marc Nuttall, President of the Society of Utah Medical Oncologists (SUMO) participated in a Utah All Copays Count Coalition (UACCC) press briefing in support of a bill that would eliminate the use of copay accumulators in state-regulated health plans. For more information, read ASCO’s policy brief on copay accumulators.

• On January 26, Iowa Oncology Society (IOS - Iowa) State Affiliate Council Representative Dr. Sakeer Hussain testified at a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing in support of a bill that would protect patients from non-medical switching of medications. The bill passed the subcommittee unanimously and will now be considered in the full Senate Commerce Committee. Find a description of ASCO’s position on utilization management.  

If you’re interested in participating in-district meetings with your lawmakers, or hosting them for a site visit, fill out this survey to participate in Advocacy at Home. Regardless of previous advocacy experience, ASCO members are encouraged to get involved in advocacy at both the federal and state levels. If you are passionate to make change that affects the quality-of-care patients receive, explore the ACT Network state bill tracker, which updates in real time, to see legislation pertaining to cancer care filed in your state. If you have any questions about state legislation and advocacy, contact Aaron Segel or Sarah Lanford.