As a member chapter of the New York State Bleeding Disorders Coalition, we unite with other chapters in Albany annually to advocate for the needs of the bleeding disorders community. Individuals and families are encouraged to participate in this legislative day.

Prior to the session, attendees receive training and become more familiar with speaking about the issues. They then meet with their legislators (or representatives) to express their views. Throughout the event, families learn more about the legislative process and meet other families navigating through the same health care issues.

In 2016 our community advocates met over 30 legislative offices in support of a bill reforming the 2011 Anti-Mandatory Mail Order law. The bill as written unfortunately contains a loophole allowing health insurance companies and Pharmacy Benefit Managers to force patients on certain medications to use mail order pharmacies for medications, which doesn’t always work for patients.