Author: Ashley Knapp
Whether you’re a clinician, administrator, patient, or industry partner, advocacy is a powerful tool to protect and strengthen the future of office-based infusion care. From reimbursement policy to patient access, our collective voice shapes the decisions that impact how we care for patients, and now is the time to get involved.
Start with NICA’s Advocacy Tools
Whether you’re new to advocacy or ready to deepen your impact, NICA has made it easy to get involved. The Advocacy page is a one-stop hub with three key resources you should review:
- Explore the Issues
Stay informed about the policies shaping our industry by reviewing the six main advocacy issues NICA is working to address. This section defines each issue starting with utilization management tactics like copay accumulators, maximizers, step therapy, and non-medical switching, as well as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), white bagging, and the different types of government price setting that have the power to negatively impact reimbursement. Understanding the issues is the first step to driving meaningful change. - Take Action
Make your voice heard with just a few clicks. By navigating to the “Take Action” page on NICA’s website, you can directly contact lawmakers about current state and federal bills, while the “Action Campaign” section at the bottom of each advocacy issue page provides another opportunity to share your thoughts. You can also send a pre-drafted letter from the NICA Advocacy Team that can be personalized with your own experience or call your elected officials to request support.
Sign up to receive action alerts straight to your inbox. By sharing your address, you’ll get location-specific alerts and tailored resources to help you advocate effectively. If you want to take your impact further, become a NICA Advocacy Leader to automatically receive the NICA State Action Bulletin, which highlights state-level bills affecting infusion care. Leaders may also be called on to give testimony, write op-eds, or recruit other advocates in their state.
Get started here: Take Action & Sign Up
- Legislative Maps
Want to know what’s happening in your state? The NICA Legislative Maps help providers and interested parties track state and federal bills or proposed legislation, see where bills have been introduced or enacted during the current legislative session, and understand how specific bills may affect your practice. It’s a powerful way to stay ahead of changes that could directly impact your operations or your patients.
Use the “Biweekly PUSH” for Ongoing Updates
Want to stay in the know about the latest policy trends, threats, and advocacy opportunities? NICA’s Biweekly PUSH is the infusion professional’s essential resource. By staying informed with the insights laid out in each edition, infusion advocates will be ready to address policy changes that threaten access to care or reimbursement, rather than reacting when it’s too late. Sign up today and empower your practice by taking your advocacy to the next level.
Learn What’s Happening in Your State
Advocacy is most effective when it’s local. State bills influencing infusion care can address a wide range of issues, including provider scope of practice, coverage requirements for state-regulated plans, utilization management imposed on your patients, and the amount you are reimbursed for the drugs you administer.
To find bills relevant to infusion or medical practices in your state, feel free to reach out to NICA directly. NICA can help identify state-specific advocacy priorities and opportunities for engagement. You can also try these tools:
- LegiScan – A free tool to search state and federal legislation by keyword (e.g., “infusion,” “biologics,” “prior authorization”).
- Your state legislature’s website – Many have bill tracking portals and alerts you can subscribe to stay up-to-date on specific bills or search terms.
- State medical society or pharmacy association – These groups often track healthcare legislation and offer advocacy support relevant to your practice.
Why It Matters
Infusion centers face growing pressure from payers, PBMs, and health systems. Our model of care delivers safe, affordable, and accessible treatment, but it won’t protect itself. Whether you’re writing a letter, attending a virtual fly-in, or talking to a local legislator, your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that the future of office-based infusion care remains strong, sustainable, and centered on patients.
About the Author
Ashley Knapp, co-founder of Local Infusion and NICA Board member, brings over 13 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to improving infusion care. Her journey began in 2011 when she launched and managed a neurology infusion clinic, igniting her passion for enhancing patient access and advocating for those with chronic conditions. With expertise spanning clinical operations, business development, and leadership, Ashley has expanded access to vital infusion services across the Northeast, including roles at Intrafusion by McKesson and OI Infusion. An RN with two bachelor’s degrees and an MBA, Ashley blends hands-on healthcare experience with strategic acumen to drive systemic improvements in the infusion industry.
Learn more at www.mylocalinfusion.com
About the National Infusion Center Association
NICA is dedicated to ensuring that the nation’s infusion centers remain a safe, more efficient, and more cost-effective alternative to hospital settings for consistent, high-quality care.
Infusion providers have a vested interest in the sustainability of the infusion delivery channel and its ability to serve vulnerable patient populations. NICA Provider Members have a voice and a seat at the table to inform NICA’s activities and the opportunity to remain highly engaged in the expansion and optimization of the infusion industry. Learn more about becoming a NICA member here: https://infusioncenter.org/join-nica/
