Louisiana Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders raises awareness at State Capitol

The Louisiana Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders (LCBCD) at Tulane University School of Medicine joined forces with the Louisiana Hemophilia Foundation (LHF) to raise awareness for patients with bleeding disorders at the Louisiana State Capitol.

The two groups spoke with state legislators about House Bill 509, Senate Bill 347, and Senate Bill 210.

“Our annual Capitol Advocacy Day is a great way for our patients to learn about health care legislation and its importance to their access to treatment and health care outcomes,” said Ashley Castello, LHF director. “ It also enables our patients to experience advocating for themselves and their community on the state level.  All of our participants enjoy having the opportunity to talk to state senators and representatives to raise awareness about the challenges of living with a bleeding disorder and share the LHF mission.”

HB 509, sponsored by Rep. Chad Brown, D-Plaquemine, is part of an effort to prohibit alterations of health benefit plans based on certain information about prescription drugs.

SB 347, filed by Sen. Jimmy Harris, D-New Orleans, would share the savings with patients at the point-of-sale by requiring insurers and PBMs to share the benefit of rebates and negotiated discounts directly with patients.

The group also raised awareness about SB 210, sponsored by Senator Robert Owen, R-Slidell, which would close the essential Health Benefits loophole and ensure that all covered drugs are considered essential health benefits.