Why it Matters
The Allergy & Asthma Alliance marks its debut in federal lobbying by hiring eight experienced healthcare advocates. This new organization enters Washington at a critical moment for allergy and asthma patients facing high drug costs and coverage barriers.
By the Numbers
- Team Composition: Eight lobbyists from Jeffrey J. Kimbell & Associates Inc
- Client History: Zero previous lobbying registrations
- Key Congressional Experience:
- Brett Hamilton Meeks: Deputy Director for Health Policy, Senate HELP Committee
- John Thomas Herzog: Health Policy Aide for Sen. Lamar Alexander
- Keith Shands Studdard: Legislative Director for Sen. Marsha Blackburn
Firm Expertise
The lobbying firm has deep experience with healthcare clients including Astellas Pharma U.S. Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., and notably the Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center.
Broader Context
Congress is actively debating drug affordability and healthcare access issues. Multiple committees have held hearings on Medicare Advantage prior authorization practices. The Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare drug price negotiations now include asthma treatments like Trelegy Ellipta, as highlighted by Sen. Tammy Baldwin.
A Rep. Greg Murphy meeting describes the Alliance as representing healthcare providers serving over one million patients annually.
The Agenda
The Alliance registered to lobby on “allergy & asthma issues” within Medicare and Medicaid frameworks. No specific legislation was identified in their initial filing. The broad registration allows flexibility to engage on multiple policy fronts affecting patient care and provider reimbursement.
Competitive Landscape
The Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology actively lobbies on similar issues including Medicare payment reform and prior authorization. The Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center uses the same lobbying firm, creating potential synergies.
Both organizations focus on coverage issues and practice-related policy matters affecting specialty care providers.
Between The Lines
Congress is considering multiple bills directly impacting allergy and asthma patients:
- The EPIPEN Act would cap epinephrine auto-injector costs at $60 per two-pack
- The Affordable Inhalers and Nebulizers Act proposes $15 monthly caps on inhaler costs
- The Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act (H.R.2433) targets prior authorization reform
A joint subcommittee hearing on Medicare Advantage exposed how prior authorization delays harm patient outcomes. Rep. Mark Green advocates for decisions based on medical necessity and clinical criteria.
The PBM Reform Act of 2025 (H.R.4317) targets pharmacy benefit manager practices affecting drug pricing.
The Bottom Line
The Alliance secured experienced advocates with direct committee experience on health policy. Their timing aligns with active congressional attention to drug costs and coverage barriers. The organization joins an established advocacy ecosystem focused on specialty care reimbursement and patient access issues.
—
All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article