PAN Foundation patient advocates raise their voice on Capitol Hill for healthcare access during the 2024 Advocacy Action Summit 

From September 23-25, 2024, the PAN Foundation hosted its second annual in-person Advocacy Action Summit in Washington, D.C., culminating with a National Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill.

A group of 63 passionate patient advocates from 25 U.S. states traveled to Washington D.C. to call for action—attending over 281 legislative meetings to share their stories and advocate for eight pieces of legislation that expand access to affordable, equitable healthcare. Together, the PAN Foundation team and patient advocates raised our collective voices on behalf of millions of patients across the country, urging Congress to support legislation around timely access to affordable and equitable healthcare for all.

Meanwhile, across the country, the PAN Foundation community came together for our Virtual Day of Action, sending over 1,400 emails to legislators advocating for the same issues as the PAN delegation on Capitol Hill, ensuring a strong, collective call to action.

“Nothing brings me joy and hope like seeing our passionate and inspiring patients come together as one to speak their truth and give a voice to the patient experience,” said PAN Foundation Chief Mission Officer Amy Niles. “I firmly believe that their stories have the power to change minds, change hearts, and, more importantly, change legislation. These 63 advocates and the thousands more who joined them online undoubtedly had a powerful impact.”

Legislative action

This year, in-person and virtual advocates asked Congress to support four key issue areas and eight pieces of legislation, including a request to:

Prohibit copay accumulator programs: 

Prohibit harmful copay accumulator programs and require health insurance plans to apply all financial assistance received on behalf of a patient toward their out-of-pocket maximum through the adoption of the Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act (H.R. 830/S. 1375). 

Improve utilization management: 

Require group health plans to implement a clear and transparent process for patients and physicians in requesting an exemption to a step therapy protocol by adopting the Safe Step Act (H.R. 2630/S. 652). 

Establish standards and streamline process for prior authorization in Medicare Advantage plans by supporting the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532). 

Increase clinical trial diversity: 

Address barriers to clinical trials by enacting meaningful policies that promote diverse enrollment in clinical trials through supporting the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 8412) and the NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act (H.R. 3503/S. 1701). 

Expand access to dental care:  

Expand access to comprehensive dental coverage in Medicare, Medicaid, and federal marketplace plans and minimize out-of-pocket costs for these essential health services by supporting the Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act (S.842), the Medicare Dental, Vision and Hearing Benefit Act (H.R. 33), and the Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act (H.R. 1671/S. 2711). 

Community Champion Award: Gaytha and Michael L. Davis, Sr. 

This year, we introduced a new award to honor advocates who have been champions in their community. The 2024 PAN Foundation Community Champion Award went to an inspiring husband and wife duo and PAN Patient and Family Advisory Council members, Gaytha and Michael L. Davis, Sr.  

We challenge all of you to get involved and create sustainable change in your communities. Change the world and change your community.”

Gaytha Davis

The Davis’s have long been deeply involved in their Dallas, Texas community and have been committed to sharing the PAN Foundation’s resources with as many people as they can and opening doors for the PAN Foundation to engage with the regional Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services office and other community organizations.  

When accepting their award, both shared their passion for advocacy and the importance of getting out into your local communities to spread awareness and create change. “I strongly believe that giving back to others is not only a responsibility but also a privilege,” said Michael. Gaytha also spoke about the importance of community-building and made an inspiring call to action to all in the room: “We challenge all of you to get involved and create sustainable change in your communities. Change the world and change your community.”  

Advocacy Impact Awards  

This year’s 2024 PAN Foundation Advocacy Impact Award went to two experienced advocates and members of PAN’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, Michael Riotto and Tony Newberne. This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated dedication to increasing affordable prescription access and uplifting the patient voice through their advocacy work. 

If I had not advocated for myself, I would have died after leaving the hospital.

Tony Newburne

Tony Newberne 

Tony Newberne is a long-time health and fitness enthusiast, 10+ year survivor of high-risk myeloma, and an avid patient advocate. For years, Tony has been deeply committed to ensuring everyone learns about the financial assistance, advocacy, and educational resources the PAN Foundation provides. During his speech, Tony spoke at length about the importance of self-advocacy after experiencing multiple misdiagnoses and how important it is for him to help others: “If I had not advocated for myself, I would have died after leaving the hospital. I am determined to never let that happen to anyone ever again.”

If I can help just one person navigate a better life, I feel like I’ve made a difference.

Michael Riotto

Michael Riotto  

Michael Riotto is a passionate patient advocate. Inspired by his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, Michael travels the country, sharing his story with organizations, government officials, support groups, and others to advocate for change and make a difference. Michael was recently featured along with the PAN Foundation in a Wall Street Journal article highlighting patients’ unique challenges, including managing their careers, health insurance, and fertility. His commitment to advocating for change and desire to make a difference for others made him the perfect recipient for this year’s award. “If I can help just one person navigate a better life, I feel like I’ve made a difference,” said Michael, who is passionate about educating fellow patients and policymakers alike.

Learn more and get involved 

• Explore PAN’s advocacy and research work
• Sign up for email alerts—stay connected and learn more about opportunities to advocate.  

About the PAN Foundation

As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, the PAN Foundation is dedicated to accelerating access to treatment for those who need it most and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. We provide critical financial assistance for treatment costs, advocate for policy solutions that expand access to care, and deliver education on complex topics—all driven by our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.

Since 2004, our financial assistance programs have helped more than 1.2 million people to start or stay on life-changing treatment. In addition, we’ve achieved significant policy victories that increase access to care, mobilized patient advocates to call for change, and educated people nationwide on critical healthcare-related topics. We’re committed to working towards a future where equitable health outcomes are a reality for all. To learn more, visit panfoundation.org.