Allergy & Asthma Network celebrated several advocacy successes at the end of 2022. The Network, with the help of advocates across the country, supported the $1.7 trillion federal spending package as well as federal policy updates and initiatives. On the state level, the Network supported 17 bills that passed in 15 states, including legislation to lower out-of-pocket costs and allow stock albuterol in schools.
Federal level
The final fiscal year (FY) 2023 spending package referred to as the “Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023” was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022. It funds the federal government through Sept. 30, 2023. The $1.7 trillion package includes spending for:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – $47.5 billion; a $2.5 billion increase that includes funding for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (which oversees the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – $9.2 billion; a $760 million increase that includes $33.5 million for the National Asthma Control Program (an increase of $3 million).
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) – $9.465 billion; a $900 million increase that includes healthcare workforce programs.
The spending package provides funds for the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Healthy Homes Initiative to help protect children and their families from housing-related health and safety hazards. It also supports air and water quality management programs administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Key federal healthcare provisions supported by Allergy & Asthma Network include:
- Clinical trial diversity: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is required to take a series of actions to modernize and improve clinical trials. This involves increasing the diversity and engagement of trial participants. It requires drug manufacturers and clinical trial sponsors to submit diversity action plans to FDA.
- Drug development innovation: A new policy enables the use of nonanimal testing methods to increase options for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of drugs. It also eliminates a federal mandate for animal testing in new drug development protocols.
- Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Medicaid funding for CHIP is extended for two years through fiscal year 2029. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, children will be provided with 12 months of continuous coverage under Medicaid and CHIP. A new policy will make permanent a state option to provide 12 months of continuous Medicaid or CHIP coverage during a mother’s postpartum period.
- Telehealth: Medicare continues to expand access to telehealth by extending COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities for an additional two years, through Dec. 31, 2024.
State level
In 2022, 17 bills become law in 15 states to support people living with allergies, asthma and related conditions:
- Lower out-of-pocket costs (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments) – California, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington
- Transparent step therapy protocols – Kentucky, Tennessee
- Stock albuterol in K-12 schools – Iowa
- Stock epinephrine in daycare settings – Virginia
- Epinephrine treatment options – Wisconsin
- Modifications to telemedicine protocols – Washington
How you can take action
With your help, Allergy & Asthma Network can continue to improve lives through federal and state policies. Learn how you can make a difference by becoming an advocate.
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