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Public policy & advocacy updates

Policymakers expect us to advocate for decisions that benefit and support patients in need of a bone marrow or blood cell transplant. What truly catches their attention, though—both on the state and federal level—are grassroots advocates who share their stories and expertise as part of a greater movement. Here’s what we’re fighting for right now. Together, we can make real change.

Our work at the federal and state levels

NMDP works nationally and in all 50 states to increase access to transplant. We help remove barriers for patients facing blood cancers and disorders through public policies including:

  • Expanding health insurance access for treatment and testing like biomarker tests, which allow all patients to find their right treatment
  • Reforming prior authorization and enhancing Medicaid policies to remove barriers that delay patient access to a life-saving cure
  • Increasing support for caregivers, who are essential to the transplant process. Removing barriers for those providing care helps both the caregiver and, ultimately, our patients.

Discover more about the impact of our work in your state.

At the federal level, we push to help patients receive increased coverage and extended access to treatment.

Donor job protection

No one should fear losing their job if they decide to give someone a second chance. NMDP is a key supporter of the Life Saving Leave Act, which would protect donors from being fired if they take time off to donate. The act is working its way through Congress.

Read more about the Life Saving Leave Act

Secure funding for the national registry

We advocate for federal funding to advance equitable access to transplant, providing dollars to increase access to bone marrow and blood cell transplants at the point of diagnosis for all patients, which means more lives are saved. We also support efforts to secure federal funding for the National Cord Blood Inventory (NCBI) to collect and store high-quality units.

See how we’re working to protect federal funding

We’re on X

Follow @NMDP_advocacy (Opens in a new tab) for updates on our legislative efforts, public policy initiatives and additional ways to advocate for bone marrow and blood cell transplants in real time.