DUSTIN WATSON

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.

Lobbying to increase prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. S. 3766/H.R. 7274- Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act -To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries to simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE, and for other purposes. H.R. 8018/S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans.

Lobbying to improve prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write their members of Congress in support of this legislation. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Led an digital campaign to allow constituents to write their members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.

Lobbying to improve prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write their members of Congress in support of this legislation. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Led an digital campaign to allow constituents to write their members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced).

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). H.R.9233: The HEALTHY BRAINS Act - developing support for implementation funding for centers of excellence within NIH.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.4366/S.2127 - FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center. FY24 (H.R.4365/S.2587) and FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins.

FY 2024 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research at: H.R.4365/S.2587 - The Department of Defense within the FY 2024 Defense Appropriation bill. H.R.5894/S.2624 - The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.4368/S.2131 - The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.4366/S.2127 - The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

FY 2024 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research at: H.R.4365/S.2587 - The Department of Defense within the FY 2024 Defense Appropriation bill. H.R.5894/S.2624 - The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.4368/S.2131 - The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.4366/S.2127 - The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

H.R.4366/S.2127 - FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center. FY24 (H.R.4365/S.2587) and FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins.

FY 2024 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research at: H.R.4365/S.2587 - The Department of Defense within the FY 2024 Defense Appropriation bill. H.R.5894/S.2624 - The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.4368/S.2131 - The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.4366/S.2127 - The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program.

Lobbying to increase prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. S. 3766/H.R. 7274- Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act -To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries to simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE, and for other purposes. H.R. 8018/S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program.

General education on the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. H.R.8774/ S.4921: FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 - The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act: Increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. H.R.8580 / S.4677 - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill: Supports increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease.

General education on the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. H.R.8774/ S.4921: FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 - The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act: Increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. H.R.8580 / S.4677 - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill: Supports increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease.

FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. FY24 and FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 -The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act- increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. H.R. 8580 / Senate bill not filed - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. H.R. 8774/ Senate bill not yet filed - FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins.

FY 2024 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research at: H.R.4365/S.2587 - The Department of Defense within the FY 2024 Defense Appropriation bill. H.R.5894/S.2624 - The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.4368/S.2131 - The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.4366/S.2127 - The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

Lobbying to increase prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. S. 3766/H.R. 7274- Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act -To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries to simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE, and for other purposes. H.R. 8018/S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval.

Lobbying to increase prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. S. 3766/H.R. 7274- Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act -To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries to simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE, and for other purposes. H.R. 8018/S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

Lobbying to improve prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write their members of Congress in support of this legislation. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Led an digital campaign to allow constituents to write their members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted.

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). H.R.9233: The HEALTHY BRAINS Act - developing support for implementation funding for centers of excellence within NIH.

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced).

FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. FY24 and FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 -The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act- increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. H.R. 8580 / Senate bill not filed - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. H.R. 8774/ Senate bill not yet filed - FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins.

General education on the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. H.R.8774/ S.4921: FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 - The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act: Increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. H.R.8580 / S.4677 - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill: Supports increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease.

General education on the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. H.R.8774/ S.4921: FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 - The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act: Increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. H.R.8580 / S.4677 - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill: Supports increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted.

Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis. Signed Coalition Letters: - Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. - Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth. - Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's. S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits. S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE. Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

Lobbying to increase prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. S. 3766/H.R. 7274- Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act -To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries to simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE, and for other purposes. H.R. 8018/S. 3109- Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act- bill to require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.

Lobbying to improve prescription drug affordability and accessibility for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write their members of Congress in support of this legislation. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. Lobbying the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide additional clarification regarding the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies that require administration via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access once new Parkinson's therapies receive approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Led an digital campaign to allow constituents to write their members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services.

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). H.R.9233: The HEALTHY BRAINS Act - developing support for implementation funding for centers of excellence within NIH.

General education on the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. H.R.8774/ S.4921: FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 - The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act: Increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. H.R.8580 / S.4677 - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill: Supports increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease.

FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. FY24 and FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 -The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act- increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. H.R. 8580 / Senate bill not filed - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. H.R. 8774/ Senate bill not yet filed - FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins.

General education on the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease. H.R.8774/ S.4921: FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program. H.R.542/S.141 - The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act: Increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages. Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins. H.R.8580 / S.4677 - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill: Supports increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence. General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease.

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced).

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced).

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). H.R.9233: The HEALTHY BRAINS Act - developing support for implementation funding for centers of excellence within NIH.

General Education on Parkinson's Risk Factors: Focused on raising awareness about triggers and risks of Parkinson's disease, including exposure to TCE, paraquat, air pollution, and other environmental chemicals. H.R.9233/S. - The HEALTHY BRAINS Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. Supporting FDA Neurology Drug Program Funding: Advocacy for funding through the FY 2025 Agriculture Appropriations bills (H.R. 9027, S. 4690) and the Labor, Health and Human Services FY 2025 Appropriations bill (not yet filed). S.269 - Protect America's Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA): Legislation focused on protecting children from harmful pesticides, including those linked to Parkinson's. S.806 - The Healthy H2O Act: A bill that addresses concerns about water quality and its effects on health, relevant to Parkinsons disease prevention. Neurodegenerative Disease Center of Excellence: Ongoing development of a legislative proposal to create a center at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to focus on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsons. Efforts to ban paraquat.

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). H.R.9233: The HEALTHY BRAINS Act - developing support for implementation funding for centers of excellence within NIH.

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced).

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within: H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations. H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025. Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced). H.R.9233: The HEALTHY BRAINS Act - developing support for implementation funding for centers of excellence within NIH.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

Advocating for a ban on Trichloroethylene (TCE) and paraquat. H.R.9233 - The Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research And Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act of 2024 - a bill to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease.

Advocating for a ban on Trichloroethylene (TCE) and paraquat. H.R.9233 - The Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research And Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act of 2024 - a bill to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. Efforts to ban paraquat.

General Education on Parkinson's Risk Factors: Focused on raising awareness about triggers and risks of Parkinson's disease, including exposure to TCE, paraquat, air pollution, and other environmental chemicals. H.R.9233/S. - The HEALTHY BRAINS Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. Supporting FDA Neurology Drug Program Funding: Advocacy for funding through the FY 2025 Agriculture Appropriations bills (H.R. 9027, S. 4690) and the Labor, Health and Human Services FY 2025 Appropriations bill (not yet filed). S.269 - Protect America's Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA): Legislation focused on protecting children from harmful pesticides, including those linked to Parkinson's. S.806 - The Healthy H2O Act: A bill that addresses concerns about water quality and its effects on health, relevant to Parkinsons disease prevention. Neurodegenerative Disease Center of Excellence: Ongoing development of a legislative proposal to create a center at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to focus on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsons. Efforts to ban paraquat.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. H.R.8331/S. 4280 - Essential Caregivers Act of 2024: To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease. General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently. Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits. H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases. General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program.

H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: a bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinsons, plus patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinsons disease. General Parkinson's disease information about symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health related to Parkinson's disease and data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities. Information related to prevalence particularly at CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: a bill to require group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to help ensure that people living with Parkinson's disease can safely and efficiently access treatments. Establishing Parkinson's disease ICD-10-CM codes to assist in the continuation and coordination of care for people living with Parkinson's who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather more data to study the progression of the disease. Reauthorization of CDCs National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS). S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: a bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which can aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: a bill to permanently remove Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms encompass mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, dementia, and other memory problems, and the majority of people living with Parkinson's in the United States are Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom will face undue burdens meeting the unnecessary in-person requirement for telemental health services after the delay of the requirement enforcement expires December 31, 2024. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: a bill to require health insurance plans to apply certain payments made by, or on behalf of, a plan enrollee toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Specifically, plans must apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, product vouchers, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward the requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such third-party payments to afford medications to treat and manage their disease symptoms, and this legislation will ensure that all payments whether they come directly out of a pocket or with the help of copay assistance-counts toward out-of-pocket costs of patients. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. H.R.4752/S.2379 - the Concentrating High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End (CHANGE) Act of 2023: a bill to better utilize the existing Welcome to Medicare initial exam and Medicare annual wellness visits to screen, detect, and diagnose Alzheimers and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, in their earliest stages. Signed Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD) Coalition letter to members of Congress in support of this legislation. H.R.4942/S.655 - the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: a bill to reauthorize the Conrad State 30 program for three years, make several targeted policy improvements, and permit the gradual expansion of the number of waivers granted to each state to address health care provider shortages. Signed American Academy of Neurology letter to member of Congress in support of this legislation. The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: requires Part D plan to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics. Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including depression and psychosis, and individuals often experience different side effects, reactions, and efficacy based on which medications they take. Partnership for Part D Access coalition congressional meetings and signed coalition letter to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of continued protection for the six protected classes policy. Signed Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx) coalition comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance. Signed Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth coalition comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) in support prioritizing the needs of patients by expanding policies that improved access to safe and timely health care via telehealth. Signed Alliance for Aging Research coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance in support of proposed beneficiary protections and to provide feedback on implementation considerations for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan program. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: a bill to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. H.R./S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act- draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease. General outreach and support for the establishment of an "Office of Caregiver Health" within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes. Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes. H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation. H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs. S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently. CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately. H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.