In the interview, Mr. Johns repeated this explanation. When asked if association officials had communicated with Biogen since Medicare’s proposal, he said, “I think some of our people have had a conversation or more along the way” and Biogen’s staff “pass on some information from time to time.” , but I can see you that we just don’t coordinate with them.”
In the tapes, association officials told proponents that their annual meetings with local members of Congress would involve different “questions” than usual: They would have to ask lawmakers to give a speech, write to CMS or post on social media to To urge Medicare to broadly cover Aduhelm and any other FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatment.
An official, Jennifer Pollack, suggested that advocates should give congressional staff a “leave” with a sample letter and social media posts prepared by the association and “sample talking points for a speech on the floor.”
Kate Johnson, another official, told lawyers, “If you don’t know the answer to a question, that’s totally okay.” In that case, “please always come back to our safest sense,” she said, “I’m not sure, but I can pass that question on to an Alzheimer’s Association employee who can provide a little more information.’”
She also urged lawyers to take photos or screenshots of the congressional meetings to post on social media, tag the legislator to show “we will not give up on the problems we are passionate about.”
Christopher Masak, director of advocacy, played the son of an Alzheimer’s patient who met a lawmaker.
“My mother is living with a deadly disease, and the bottom line is that I want more time,” his character said, adding, “When I think about people like my mom who don’t have access to this drug, it just breaks my heart.”
