Another key issue: The federal government has removed almost $1 trillion dollars in funding from Medicaid, a shared federal-state program. Cantrell said states will explore many different approaches to meet the needs of Medicaid recipients, but he said no state can afford to correct the deficit on its own. “States will face some stark decisions as they consider budgets next year,” he said.
Final Thoughts
Cantrell underscored the importance of providers and patients engaging with members of Congress and their state legislators. “Legislative offices do still listen to constituents because ultimately they want to get re-elected,” he said, adding that sending emails and making phone calls can help “move the needle.” He also urged members to register and vote in the 2026 midterm election.
Cantrell said donating to RheumPAC is the most important way rheumatologists can invest in the future of their specialty. “The PAC is nonpartisan, and it specifically supports candidates for office that align with the policy priorities of the ACR and the rheumatology community,” he said. “RheumPAC focuses on policy rather than partisanship and ensures that rheumatology champions are supported across the political spectrum.”
McDaniel said the key message for members is that advocacy makes a difference in any circumstance. “Some think government is shut down so advocacy isn’t an option, when actually it’s advocacy that lifted the hold on processing Medicare claims despite the shutdown,” she said.
Mary Beth Nierengarten is a freelance medical journalist based in Minneapolis.
