Arthritis is the primary cause of disability among U.S. military veterans and the second most common reason for medical discharge from the U.S. Army. One in three veterans is diagnosed with arthritis, compared with one in five members of the general U.S. population. It is important to keep in mind that these statistics reflect only…
Opinion: Politics Should Not Trump Science in Medicine
I tell my patients there are three types of science: 1) investigative science, which sometimes gets it right; 2) science in the courtroom, which is junk science; and 3) science in Washington, D.C., which is political science. Our decisions are based on art and science; our patients’ medications are brought to market based on science….
Biosimilars Debate Heats up over Cost Savings, Safety Concerns
After years of speculation about potential cost savings and debates on safety, biosimilars are about to step onto the stage of rheumatic disease treatment. On Feb. 9, the Arthritis Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met in Washington, D.C., and recommended the approval of CT-P13, a proposed biosimilar to infliximab (Remicade),…
Rheumatology Patients Are Essential to the ACR’s Grassroots Advocacy
Over the past several years, the ACR has collectively ramped up its advocacy efforts. Under the leadership of the Government Affairs Committee and with the combined advocacy efforts of many ACR/ARHP members and their patients, we made considerable progress advancing priority issues in 2015. With the ongoing effort of ACR members and patients, we can…
The ACR’s Volunteer Leaders Can Help Shape Rheumatology’s Future
Margaret Mead, an early 20th century anthropologist, said, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”1 The mission of the American College of Rheumatology is Advancing Rheumatology!, and it cannot be achieved without the time, effort, talent and experience of volunteer leaders. You can join…
U.S. Hospital Group Warns of Blue Cross Dominance if Anthem Buys Cigna
(Reuters)—The American Hospital Association warned U.S. antitrust regulators that Anthem Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Cigna Corp. will hurt other health insurers’ ability to compete with Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, leading to higher premiums for consumers. Anthem, the country’s second-largest health insurer, runs Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states. The hospital group, in…
U.S. Senate Moves Closer to Confirming Califf to Lead FDA
WASHINGTON (Reuters)—The U.S. Senate on Monday moved closer to confirming Dr. Robert Califf to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, overriding opposition from several senators who had sought to block a vote on the issue. In a procedural move designed to prevent the opponents from blocking the confirmation indefinitely, the Senate voted 80 to…
U.S. Proposes Hike in Medicare Advantage Payments; Insurer Shares Rise
NEW YORK (Reuters)—The U.S. government on Friday proposed raising payments by 1.35% on average next year to the health insurers who offer Medicare Advantage health benefits to elderly and disabled Americans. Payments to insurers will vary under the 2017 Medicare Advantage proposal, based on the region the plans are sold and on the size of…
The ACR’s Grassroots Advocacy Efforts Rely on Rheumatology Patients
Over the past several years, the ACR has ramped up its efforts in advocacy. Under the leadership of the Government Affairs Committee, many ACR staff, members and their patients, considerable progress has been made moving priority issues forward in 2015. A few highlights from 2015 include: The Patients’ Access to Treatment Act (PATA) was introduced…
How Congressional Act Could Affect Your Social Security Retirement Income Beginning in 2016
On Nov. 2, 2015, Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. The Act contained a nasty surprise change to Social Security claiming strategies. Two commonly recommended strategies are known as file and suspend and restricted application. Both of these strategies will be going away, but not immediately. A lucky few will be grandfathered in….
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