The end of the year gives us an opportunity to look back on all the things we achieved this year. And you did a lot for Pennsylvania patients and health care workers. Just take a look at all the successes you had a hand in:
You cut health insurance red tape.
Pennsylvania’s health insurance prior authorization process used to cause delays in care, forcing patients to jump through hoops before getting their prescribed treatments. The state Legislature reformed the process in late October and, thanks to your advocacy, patient care approvals are now expedited, administrative burdens on professionals were reduced, and patients can now request “step therapy” (or “fail first” exemptions).
You made telehealth more accessible.
Your support for extending COVID-19 rule changes made telehealth more accessible. Although these changes have since expired, telehealth remains widely accessible across Pennsylvania, and will continue to be a priority for our community.
You gave health care workers some relief.
The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed our health care system, especially our professionals. Your support of health care workers at the beginning of 2022 led to lawmakers providing $225 million in additional funding and aid to the professionals who continuously care for us all.
You strengthened behavioral health care.
Behavioral health services are in high demand, with the pandemic intensifying the crisis. You contacted your lawmakers to ask them to include funding for behavioral health services and resources in the state budget, which they did. Now, more patients in crisis can get the care they need, faster.
You got vaccinated to protect others.
It seems like such a simple thing, but getting vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, mpox and other diseases helped protect your loved ones, your health care workers and your community — not to mention yourself.
You helped protect our health care workers.
Violence against health care workers is on the rise, making it more difficult for them to provide care to patients. You helped raise awareness about the need to protect our health care workers to keep them safe.
We can’t wait to see what we accomplish next year. Thank you for your support, and helping to achieve big wins for Pennsylvania patients and health care workers!