Wins on Capitol Hill
“CHPA advocates tirelessly to reinforce the value of OTC medicines, dietary supplements, and consumer medical devices and strengthen their relevance, importance, and credibility among key thought leaders and influencers.”
— Scott Melville, President & CEO, CHPA
Rx-to-OTC Switch
The OTC Switch Working Group was busy in 2021, focused on advocating for the release of a Nonprescription Drug Safe Use Regulatory Expansion (NSURE) proposed rule; but equally important, the group is focused on FDA and its prioritization of Rx-to-OTC switch. CHPA, with member companies, has worked with Capitol Hill lawmakers extensively to make further progress on switch and provide potential opportunities for manufacturers interested in Rx-to-OTC switch.
“I agree that Rx-to-OTC switches can result in significant cost savings. If confirmed, I am committed to working to ensure that consumers can benefit from greater access to medicines that are currently prescription only.”
Xavier Becerra
HHS Secretary
CHPA Supports Dietary Supplements Access Act
CHPA applauds Representatives John Curtis (R-Utah) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) for introducing bipartisan legislation, H.R. 5214, that would make dietary supplements eligible expenses under tax-preferred flexible spending arrangements (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA). Estimates show that around 60 million consumers already utilize FSAs and HSAs to save money on eligible healthcare expenses, including OTC medicines and feminine hygiene products. As consumers are increasingly turning to dietary supplements to support their overall health and wellness, expanding FSA/HSA eligibility to include dietary supplements will help consumers cost-effectively manage their health-related expenses.
Political Involvement Committee
Meet and Greet with Representative John Curtis
Meet and Greet with Representative Josh Gottheimer
The CHPA Political Involvement Committee had a robust year, hosting members of Congress on key committees on Capitol Hill and those who represent areas of the country with a high concentration of CHPA membership. March 2021 Meet and Greets with Congressman John Curtis (R-Utah), and separately, with Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), provided the opportunity to discuss CHPA’s priorities, and later, helped produce the introduction of H.R. 5214, legislation that would make dietary supplements eligible expenses under tax-preferred FSA or HSA.
