November Advocacy News and Opportunities

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Legislative Activity: SDP

Funding for the Special Diabetes Program was included in a September 30 continuing resolution (CR) at $19.7 million until November 17. Breakthrough T1D has a goal of advocating for at least 1 year of funding at $150 million, but the ultimate goal is for a multi-year renewal at $170 million per year. Both the House and the Senate have language that has been introduced that calls for the SDP to be renewed at $170 million until December 2025.

Breakthrough T1D Advocacy has released an action alert to thank Members of Congress who voted ‘yes’ on the CR that included funding for the SDP and to ask for a multi-year renewal when Congress negotiates funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2024. We encourage you to act today and forward it to your family, friends and networks. www.breakthrought1d.org/sdpthx

Our advocacy will be important here to ensure a multi-year renewal!

INSULIN Act

Senators Collins and Shaheen introduced S. 1269, the INSULIN Act of 2023.  Breakthrough T1D endorsed this bill and has been a key partner in developing it.

This bill includes a $35 commercial insurance copay cap, passes rebates through to health plans, and encourages biosimilar competition.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer remains interested in moving a healthcare package that would include insulin affordability and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform.  Attention will shift to the House to act on insulin affordability if the Senate passes a bill.

We continue to support the INSULIN Act – take action at jdrf.org/INSULINAct!

ADVOCATES IN ACTION COUNCIL (AAC)

AAC members are still hard at work wrapping up their first ever community service project, which is gathering resources for young adults in transition. The launch date has now shifted to November, and online resources will be rolled out as part of our National Diabetes Awareness Month efforts.

This is an exciting way for all young adults ages 18-26 to become involved in advocacy work.  Applications are available online for the class of 2024 at jdrf.org/aac and will remain open through November 30.   All young adults ages 18-26 are eligible to apply, and do not need to have T1D!  Please help us spread the word about this exciting opportunity!

Know anyone interested in applying to join the AAC? Send us their names / emails at aac@BreakthroughT1D.org so we can send them updates / reminders.