Step Therapy Reform Moves Ahead in Georgia
![](/getmedia/a8e13017-41a0-435f-ae09-9595bc0397a3/GA-day-1-300x225_5.jpg?width=300&height=225&ext=.jpg)
On Wednesday, January 23, a group of Georgia Advocates gathered at the state capitol building to talk to legislators about step therapy reform. The event was attended by Advocates from across the state,including a mother and daughter who drove from three hours away to talk about the challenges they’ve faced getting access to their medications. The day included a visit from the bill sponsor, Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-43), a brief overview of current step therapy practices and role playing, as well as meetings with some of Georgia’s legislators.
![](/getmedia/ca72efcd-9d9b-45dc-91b9-7ed2d03da60e/Ga-day-3-e1548684777330-225x300_5.jpg?width=225&height=300&ext=.jpg)
Our Advocates talked to legislators about
step therapy, which is an insurance practice that requires patients to use a lower-cost drug before permitting more expensive treatments, despite a physician’s recommendation. Rep. Cooper shared with our Advocates that her bill will create guardrails, allowing a physician to override a step therapy request if the requested medication will negatively react with a medication the patient is already taking, or if the patient has previously tried and failed that drug.
![](/getmedia/d66fc2d8-3dca-4046-a18e-7fb0e13f07bd/GA-day-2-225x300_5.jpg?width=225&height=300&ext=.jpg)
The bill has just been introduced and will go through the Georgia House and Senate chambers for review and votes. Please take a moment to
take action by reaching out to your legislators and asking them to support step therapy reform in Georgia.
Related Resources: