PAN Foundation applauds Congress for inclusion of key health provisions
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The PAN Foundation thanks Congress for including several key health provisions as part of the year-end omnibus spending billpassed late last week. These key provisions include a two-year extension of the pandemic-era Medicare telehealth policy, requirements for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to increase representation and engagement of clinical trial participants, and an expansion of mental health and substance use disorder treatments and supports.
“We applaud Congress for prioritizing these important health provisions that will increase healthcare access and affordability for all. Expanding telehealth services, diversifying drug development, and increasing access to mental health care are all key policies we have advocated for alongside our partners and patients for years,” said PAN Foundation Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Amy Niles. “And while the extension through 2024 of telehealth services is welcomed news, we urge the new Congress to permanently extend this telehealth coverage moving forward. We know that expansion of telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the pandemic increased accessibility, improved health equity, and led to better health outcomes for many. Now is the time to make this change permanent.”
In addition to providing financial assistance to help cover out-of-pocket costs for underinsured people, PAN works alongside partners, coalitions, and patient advocates to build long-term policy solutions that improve healthcare access and affordability. Learn more about PAN’s advocacy efforts and position statements.
About the PAN Foundation
The PAN Foundation is an independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
Since 2004, we have provided more than 1 million underinsured patients with $4 billion in financial assistance. Partnering with generous donors, healthcare providers, and pharmacies, we provide the underinsured population access to the healthcare treatments they need to best manage their conditions and focus on improving their quality of life. Learn more at panfoundation.org.