New York scores highest on ALS state policy report cards
ALS Association grades states' progress on service access, more
New York received the highest mark on the ALS Association’s latest report cards, which grade states based on how effectively they’re using public policy to serve the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) community.
In the state policy report cards, New York was the only state to earn straight As across the association’s five key policy priorities.
These include supporting ALS care programs and clinics to ensure patients have free access to care services not usually covered by insurance; ensuring access to affordable Medigap plans for patients younger than 65; and eliminating step-therapy or fail-first requirements, in which insurance companies require that patients try cheaper or less effective drugs before effective ALS medications are covered.
The ALS Association also rated whether states effectively put policy into practice by banning copay accumulator adjustment programs, which exclude copay assistance from counting towards a patient’s annual deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, and reforming the prior authorization process, in which healthcare providers must first obtain approval from the insurer before providing a specific medical service, treatment, or prescription.
The association says the prior authorization process delays treatment and results in worse health outcomes for people with ALS. The group encourages policies that reduce those delays, streamline appeals, and increase transparency.
State policy can help ‘make ALS livable’
“Governors and state legislators all have the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their constituents living with ALS by enacting public policies designed to help make ALS livable until we can cure it,” Alex Meixner, vice president of state policy at the association, said in a press release from the nonprofit.
While New York was the only state to receive straight As in all policy areas, other high-scoring states included Arkansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, which each achieved a B average or better.
Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, and Wyoming each scored a D average or worse.
“The good news is that whether a state is leading the pack, last on the list, or somewhere in between, there’s always room to improve,” Meixner said. “With continued advocacy and collaboration, we can drive policies that help make ALS livable and support the search for a cure.”
The goal of the report cards is to offer a snapshot of where states stand in their efforts to make living with ALS easier for patients and their caregivers, outline clear steps toward meeting policy priorities, and provide advocates the right tools to influence policymakers.
“These report cards not only shine a light on the good work that’s already taken place in many states but also serve as a call to action to do more,” Meixner said. “By working together, we can ensure that all people living with ALS have access to the care and support they need.”
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