The Senate has included the Safe Step Act in a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform package under consideration this Congress. Across Capitol Hill, support for the Safe Step Act continues to grow in the House of Representatives, passing a key 218 co-sponsor milestone. Now is the time to let Congress know the importance of PBM reform that puts patients first instead of failing first!

The Safe Step Act (H.R 2630/S.625) would ensure that employer plans offer a clear and transparent process for a patient or healthcare professional to request step therapy exceptions for patients under ERISA plans. This exception process would set a clear timeline to help patients bypass medically inappropriate step therapy protocols, ensuring access to the right treatment at the right time.  

The ACR is asking Congress to include step therapy guardrails in PBM reform legislation. This will bring patient-centered transparency to PBMs and their financial relationship to the formulary decisions that drive step therapy.   

Act now to urge your lawmakers to put patients first, not fail first! The ACR’s Legislative Action Center will allow you to contact your members of Congress with just a few clicks. Take a moment to send your letter today!