Assembly Bill 278 ensures patient advocates have a direct role in shaping health care policies that impact access and affordability.
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Yesterday, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) introduced Assembly Bill 278 to establish a Patient Advocate Advisory Committee within the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA). The Advisory Committee will provide recommendations on improving health care affordability without comprising patient access to high-quality treatments and care.
“On behalf of Californians with rare and chronic diseases, we’re grateful Assemblymember Ransom introduced this important legislation. While we share OHCA’s goal of affordable health care, we’re concerned that aggressive spending caps may limit access for Californians with complex conditions who require multiple specialists and costly therapies,” said Lynne Kinst, Executive Director of the Hemophilia Council of California and bill sponsor. “AB 278 will ensure patients and advocates have a voice in the OHCA process, helping us achieve affordable, high-quality, and equitable care for all.”
Created in 2022, OHCA is tasked with controlling health care costs by setting spending targets and encouraging payment model reforms. While OHCA has the ability to create advisory committees, no committees currently focus on patient representation, leaving vulnerable populations without a voice in decisions that could ultimately limit California patients’ access to care.
“I am thrilled to introduce AB 278 to ensure that patients have a voice in guiding the state as it seeks to make health care more affordable.” said Assemblymember Ransom. “As we work toward affordability, we must also protect the quality, equity, and access to care, ensuring timely specialist services for those living with chronic, rare, or terminal illnesses.”
AB 278, co-sponsored by the Hemophilia Council of California and the California Rare Disease Access Coalition, addresses concerns from the patient community in California that aggressive cost containment measures could reduce access for those requiring costly therapies and multiple specialists. The proposed Patient Advocate Advisory Committee will provide input to the OHCA Board and its recommendations will be included in the Board’s annual report to the Legislature, promoting accountability and patient-centered policymaking.
AB 278 is eligible for a hearing in the Spring.
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About the Hemophilia Council of California
The Hemophilia Council of California (HCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is dedicated to promoting equitable access to care and improving the lives for those affected by bleeding disorders through advocacy, education, and outreach. Learn more about HCC by visiting www.hemophiliaca.org.