Advocate,

Today, more than 60 teens from across the country will meet with members of Congress during the Foundation’s 15th annual Teen Advocacy Day — and you can help maximize their impact.

Congress is considering two bills that will ensure people living with CF have affordable access to the highly specialized CF treatments and care they need to live long, healthy lives. Help deliver a strong message by urging Congress to act now. Even if you’ve done so in the past, Congress needs to hear from you again! 

Because of the thick, sticky mucus in their lungs, people with CF face a higher risk of infection, and many rely on antibiotics as part of their regular care. Over time, this can lead to infections that are resistant to treatment.

The PASTEUR Act will support the development of highly innovative antibiotics, bringing effective options into the hands of those who need them most.

Cystic fibrosis care and treatments are expensive, and many people with CF rely on copay coupons or manufacturer assistance cards to afford their care. However, an increasing number of health plans do not count this assistance toward a patient’s out-of-pocket costs, leaving patients on the hook.

The HELP Copays Act will reduce this financial strain by requiring health plans to count the value of copay assistance toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. The bill would also ensure that any item or service covered by a health plan is considered part of a person’s essential health benefit package, requiring its cost-sharing to be counted towards a patient’s annual limits. 

Join our teen advocates by taking part in our Online Day of Action and help to make a difference today for people with CF. By sending a message to your members of Congress, you’ll help protect the health and well-being of the CF community and let lawmakers know we need their help.

Our fight isn’t finished yet. Let’s tell Congress what matters most for people with CF.

David Elin

Senior Director, Advocacy and Government Affairs