Advocates for Arthritis 2025: United for the Future of Rheumatology Care

Over 100 ACR leaders, volunteers and patients from across the nation converged in Washington, D.C., May 4–6 for the ACR’s Advocates for Arthritis fly-in. This year’s event was a critical opportunity to address urgent policy challenges threatening rheumatology practices and patient care.

“It was a great day of advocating for the rheumatology community with the ACR,” said patient advocate Amanda Greene, who attended on behalf of the Lupus and Allied Diseases Foundation. “It was also the Lupus Foundation’s National Advocacy Day, and it was fantastic seeing them on Capitol Hill. However, there is something special about joining with rheumatologists to support their needs and share the importance and impact of their (your!) work.

Ms. Greene

“The representatives were open to discussing the legislative agenda and receptive to our asks—and even smiled for the photo opportunity. I realize that advocacy never stops and am proud to help however I can!”

Armed with data, personal stories and a unified voice, advocates met with lawmakers to push for meaningful reforms. During meetings with legislators and key staff, advocates focused on four major priorities.

Medicare Reimbursement Reform

Advocates urged Congress to pursue long-term Medicare payment reform to stabilize reimbursements and prevent annual uncertainty. Lawmakers were reminded that continued cuts force practices to reduce services, limit new patient visits or even close—disproportionately harming rural and underserved communities.

National Research Funding

Advocates called for robust, sustained funding for the National Institutes for Health (NIH) to support critical research in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. Personal stories highlighted how past NIH-funded breakthroughs, such as biologics and JAK inhibitors, have transformed lives —and why further investment is essential.  

Enacting Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) drive up costs, restrict formularies and delay patient access to essential therapies. Advocates pushed for reforms to increase transparency, prohibit spread pricing and prioritize patient needs over PBM profits.

Protecting Medicaid Funding

Proposed Medicaid cuts would disproportionately harm rheumatology patients, many of whom rely on Medicaid for life-saving care. Advocates emphasized that rheumatic diseases are chronic and disabling. These patients cannot afford gaps in coverage.

Beyond policy discussions, advocates shared compelling personal stories that put a human face on legislative decisions, reinforcing why Congress must act now. 

You can support these efforts and take action from home: email Congress on the issues that matter to you, invest in RheumPAC, and follow current updates from the ACR’s office in Washington, D.C.