Author: HEC admin
03/27/25 Congress Can Protect Healthcare Access and Equity by Passing the EPIC Act
Pills and tablets (aka small-molecule medicines) have long been the backbone of accessible, affordable treatment -- especially for underserved communities. These medicines treat everything from cancer to heart disease and Alzheimer's without requiring hospital visits, infusions, or time off work. But unless Congress acts soon, misguided...
03/24/25 Bridging the Healthcare Gap: Addressing Disparities in Women’s Health During Women’s History Month
March is Women's History Month and as we celebrate it's important to remember and reflect on the disparities women face especially in the field of healthcare. Despite medical advancements and policy reform, women routinely face significant gaps in access, treatments, and health outcomes. The disparities...
02/11/25 Policymakers Need to Empower Black Communities to Overcome Health Disparities
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the rich contributions and resilience of Black Americans. It's also a crucial opportunity to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by Black communities, including persistent health disparities. These disparities are not simply a matter of present-day...
01/14/25 Minority communities need access to GLP-1s. Congress and President-elect Trump must deliver.
Over the past few years, GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy have become household names. Prescriptions for these medications have skyrocketed in the United States, from just over 131,000 between 2015 and 2018 to more than 679,000 between 2019 and 2023. These drugs are popular for good...
01/07/25 New HEC Community Member Podcast Highlights Why the 119th Congress Needs to Prioritize 340B and PBM Reforms
Reforming the 340B program and addressing the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is crucial. The 340B program aims to stretch scarce federal resources by providing discounts on medications to safety-net hospitals and clinics serving underserved communities....
12/17/24 The Hispanic Society for Rare Diseases (SHER): Bridging Gaps for a Marginalized Community (English & Spanish)
Rare diseases impact the lives of millions worldwide, and the Hispanic Society for Rare Diseases (SHER) plays a crucial role in providing vital resources and support to Spanish-speaking individuals and families living with rare diseases in the United States. SHER is thrilled to partner with...
11/25/24 Congress: Pass end-of-year PBM reform to ensure a more equitable healthcare system
The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a brand-new payment option that will be available to people with Medicare beginning in 2025. It implements a concept often referred to as “smoothing,” which can improve prescription drug affordability by allowing patients to spread their out-of-pocket costs more...