As the executive director of Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders (PNWBD) and a member of the chronic disease community myself, I know how difficult it can be for people with lifelong health conditions to access the care they need. Daily struggles with insurance barriers, high medication costs, and systemic challenges make it clear how essential it is to have leaders like Representative Emerson Levy, who care deeply about improving the lives of people in need. Emerson is not only passionate but also action-oriented — she listens to her constituents, follows through on their concerns, and delivers meaningful solutions.

One of the clearest examples of her commitment is the passage of House Bill 4113, also known as the Copay Accumulator Reform Bill. This crucial piece of legislation ensures that payments made toward prescription costs — whether by patients or through financial assistance programs — are counted toward insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Previously, some insurers excluded third-party copay assistance, leaving patients with chronic conditions blindsided by unexpected medical bills. These financial traps forced many to choose between affording essential medications or paying other bills, jeopardizing their health and well-being.

This reform could not have come at a better time. Many individuals with chronic health conditions, including those in the bleeding disorders community, rely on costly, life-saving medications. For our families, copay assistance programs are not luxuries — they are lifelines. HB 4113 guarantees that all payments, whether from patients or assistance programs, will count toward meeting insurance requirements, offering vital financial relief to thousands of Oregonians.

The road to passing HB 4113 was not easy. It required several years of advocacy, persistence and difficult negotiations between patients, providers, insurers, and lawmakers. Representative Levy’s leadership was indispensable during this process. She has a unique ability to listen to all sides, build bridges across party lines and develop practical solutions that work for everyone. Her commitment to collaboration was instrumental in breaking the legislative impasse and moving this bill forward. Thanks to her efforts, HB 4113 was signed into law by the governor in March 2024, marking a significant step forward for healthcare access and fairness in Oregon.

At PNWBD, we understand how critical this legislation is for the community we serve. Founded in Portland in 1963 by a small group of parents of children with hemophilia, our organization has spent over 60 years working to improve the lives of people living with bleeding disorders and those who care for them. Today, we serve nearly 750 families across Oregon and southwestern Washington, providing advocacy, education, and direct support. Thousands more people, including friends, caregivers, and extended families, are touched by bleeding disorders.

For families managing these conditions, having reliable access to medications is essential to their health, well-being and peace of mind. HB 4113 offers them that stability, ensuring they won’t face unexpected financial obstacles that could threaten their care. This bill also offers much-needed relief to individuals managing other chronic health conditions, from diabetes to autoimmune diseases.

In recognition of her tireless advocacy, PNWBD was proud to present Representative Levy with the 2024 Advocacy Partnership Award. This honor reflects our deep appreciation for her outstanding leadership and dedication to making healthcare accessible and equitable. Emerson Levy exemplifies the best qualities of a public servant — someone who listens, acts, and brings people together to create meaningful change.

It has been a privilege to work alongside Representative Levy on this important legislation, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come. Oregon is fortunate to have a leader like Emerson, someone who turns promises into action and fights for the well-being of her constituents every step of the way.

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