The National Fibromyalgia Association is supporting the passage of Assembly Bill 1826, which would end the unethical practice used by insurance companies known as “step therapy” or “fail first.” Step Therapy requires patients try and “fail” up to five older, less expensive medicines before they gain access to the treatment initially prescribed by their doctor—critical medication for Californians suffering from fibromyalgia, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes-related pain, among many other painful conditions.

“The recent FDA-approved medications for fibromyalgia mean that patients finally have the long-awaited prescribed treatment options to help ease their suffering by getting the care they need,” said Rae Marie Gleason, executive director of the National Fibromyalgia Association. “We urge the passage of this legislation so that patient care will be decided by the physician who has the expertise to provide the best possible care for patients.”

Approximately 10 million Americans are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Over 76 million Americans suffer from pain, which is more than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. The annual cost of chronic pain is estimated to be $100 billion nation-wide, including healthcare expenses, lost income and lost productivity due to suffering.

AB 1826, authored by Assembly Member Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Assembly Member Mike Feuer, passed the State Assembly on June 2, 2010. It is expected to go for a vote in the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday, June 30, 2010.