Decisions about SMA treatment should be made solely by individuals with SMA and their family, in consultation with their healthcare providers. 

Unfortunately, some health insurance plans include barriers, such as prior authorizations or step therapy (also known as step edits), that can delay or even block an individual's access to the treatment prescribed by their healthcare provider. These restrictions may force individuals to first try a different treatment mandated by the insurer rather than the preferred and prescribed treatment option. Lengthy insurance appeals seeking the preferred treatment can cause irreversible harm, since lost motor neurons and the resulting muscle and motor function loss cannot be regenerated.

The Cure SMA-supported Safe Step Act (H.R. 5509) would require insurance plans to create a reasonable and expedient exemption process for policies that include a step edit. 

It is critical that individuals with SMA can access the SMA treatment that best meets their unique needs, based on the recommendation of their healthcare provider. 

Tell Congress to pass the bipartisan Safe Step Act today!

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