S7, Ep 34- Health Policy and Advocacy: 2024 Reflections and What’s Ahead in 2025

In this special season finale of The Health Advocates, our hosts look back on a year of legislative wins, advocacy milestones, and patient-driven successes in 2024. From step therapy reforms to copay accumulator bans, they highlight progress at both state and federal levels. Steven and Zoe also share their advocacy priorities for 2025, including the Safe Step Act, Help Copays Act, and continued vaccine advocacy. Join us as we celebrate the power of patient stories, look ahead to a critical year in health policy, and thank the advocates who made this progress possible. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:37: Our hosts kick off the final episode of 2024 by thanking listeners and celebrating this year’s achievements in advocacy and health policy 01:20: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, highlights legislative victories: Oregon, Vermont, and Puerto Rico passed laws banning copay accumulator adjusters, while the Help Copays Act gains momentum federally 02:33: Our hosts discuss step therapy reforms, with Illinois, Vermont, and Wyoming joining 25 other states in passing protections. Steven shares progress on the Safe Step Act at the federal level 03:00: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, explains the importance of non-medical switching reforms, with Iowa achieving key wins alongside advances in biomarker testing legislation in several states 03:33: Steven introduces the work on Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs), where GHLF actively engaged in Colorado, Oregon, and Maryland to amplify patient voices 05:31: Zoe and Steven outlines priorities for 2025 at the state level, including copay accumulator bans, Share the Savings initiatives in New York, and continued focus on vaccines and drug affordability If you want to get involved with any of the issues mentioned above email us at [email protected] To learn more about the 50-State Network’s Advocating for Vaccines Training, visit: https://ghlf.org/vaccine-training-page/ 06:40: Our hosts set the stage for federal advocacy in 2025, emphasizing key legislation like the Safe Step Act, Help Copays Act, and Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) 08:12: Steven and Zoe reflect on the potential impacts of the Trump administration, including key nominations like RFK Jr. for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Dr. Oz for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 11:10: Our hosts discuss the complexities of the U.S. health care system, the burden on chronic disease patients, and the role of advocacy in improving access and affordability 15:16: Steven explains the importance of balancing public and private health care options to ensure fairness and equity for all patients 16:53: Zoe wraps up with a call to action for 2025 Join GHLF’s 50 State Network, share your story, and get involved in advocacy to make a difference, email us at [email protected] 17:47: Steven and Zoe exchange heartfelt reflections on the season, expressing gratitude to listeners and excitement for what’s to come in 2025 Contact Our Hosts Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: [email protected] Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.