AdvaMed Launches State-focused “Patients First” Agenda
Washington, D.C. – Today, AdvaMed, the Medtech Association, released its “Patients First Agenda,” a series of state-level policies aimed at improving lives and patient outcomes through increasing access to medical technology, accurate diagnostic testing, and safe and effective treatments. Each policy is a key priority for patient advocacy organizations or professional medical societies, further underscoring the initiatives’ importance in improving patient lives and outcomes.
“AdvaMed is proud to be a strong partner with each of these organizations and to engage in building support for these policies in states around the country,” said Scott Whitaker, AdvaMed President and CEO. “Access to medical technology is critical to improving the well-being of patients, and we will advocate for the policies we developed with patient groups to meet these needs. We look forward to working with our partners and state policymakers to secure adoption of these patient-focused proposals.”
Partners shared their thanks for AdvaMed’s support of these policies:
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
“AdvaMed has long been a strong advocate for policies increasing patient access to innovative medical technologies at both the federal and state levels. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with them on ensuring that patients around the country have access to necessary biomarker testing that can improve their care and outcomes.”
Alzheimer’s Association
“As we enter a new era of Alzheimer’s treatment and care, early detection and diagnosis has become even more critical for those impacted by this devastating disease. To meet this moment, the Alzheimer’s Association is proud to partner with organizations like AdvaMed to advance state policies that will ensure access to innovative biomarker testing.”
American College of Emergency Physicians
“Testing for opioids in emergency settings can help save lives by ensuring the right treatment is provided to patients at the right time. We’re pleased to be working with AdvaMed on policies improving access for patients in these often-fast-moving situations.”
LUNGevity
“Out-of-pocket cost should not be a barrier for patients with lung cancer and other diseases to access necessary care. That’s why we’re pleased that AdvaMed is supporting state-based legislation that would remove cost-sharing for supplemental cancer imaging and diagnostics, as well as legislation that would increase coverage of biomarker testing.”
Fight Colorectal Cancer
“The last thing on patients’ minds when a physician recommends further testing for colorectal cancer should be ‘can I afford it?’ We are grateful for the support of partners like AdvaMed in our efforts to advance legislation to reduce barriers and increase access to life-saving colorectal cancer screening.”
Epilepsy Foundation of America
“Seizure detection devices can help enhance safety, improve quality of life, and enable timely medical response. The Epilepsy Foundation of America supports state-level legislation that would provide Medicaid coverage of the device and its ongoing costs to increase equitable access to emerging, innovative technologies that help families. The Epilepsy Foundation is grateful for AdvaMed’s support of this impactful and forward-looking legislation.”
Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer
“Too often, women are foregoing crucial breast cancer imaging or diagnostic tests because of prohibitive cost-sharing requirements. Brem Foundation is pleased to partner with AdvaMed to eliminate steep out of pocket costs for physician recommended screening and diagnostics through meaningful policy change that will drive early detection of breast cancer, when health outcomes are best. Together, we’ll be able to improve the lives of women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, no matter what state they call home.”