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 advocacy@ghlf.org

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 advocacy@ghlf.org

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: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

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