WeAreFibro.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Fibromyalgia

Kenyatta

I don't know about you guys, but I didn't enjoy step therapy. I hope this success spreads across the nation, so no one else will have to endure it.

Last month, the National Fibromyalgia Association urged patients in California to write their legislative officials to support the passage of Assembly Bill 1826, which would limit the practice by insurance companies known as “step therapy” or “fail first,” where patients have to take up to five older, less expensive medicines before they gain access to the treatment initially prescribed by their doctor.  Proponents of AB 1826 argue that the practice of step therapy denies patients access to critical medication for Californians suffering from fibromyalgia, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes-related pain, among many other painful conditions. 

AB 1826, authored by Assembly Member Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Assembly Member Mike Feuer, passed the State Assembly on June 2, 2010. AB 1826 is now pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee, then to the Governor’s office if it passes. 

Many people responded to the NFA’s call to action, including Wendy Lewis of El Segundo who wrote on behalf of her 18 year-old daughter, Juliette (“Jett”) who has fibromyalgia. Jett’s doctor prescribed a medication to help control the teen’s searing, migraine-like headaches, but, Wendy wrote, “The insurance company did not allow us to have the medication until we tried another medication. It took a few weeks until we were able to purchase the correct medication. My poor child had to suffer with these headaches while I fought with the insurance companies.  They are allowing the cost of medication to interfere with helping eliminate pain!!!”

18 months ago