This summer is an important time for healthcare. Congress and President Barak Obama’s administration are dedicated to creating comprehensive healthcare reform to ensure quality healthcare for all, while considering all aspects of healthcare delivery. Their goal is to create this legislative package this summer.
In March, the ACR released The Future of Healthcare in the United States, a summary of the ACR’s priorities for healthcare reform that focuses on key areas that will be used to evaluate healthcare reform proposals in Congress. The ACR’s priorities include:
- Access to affordable health coverage;
- An adequate healthcare workforce for arthritis and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases;
- Access to quality care for these diseases; and
- Cost-effective care without reduction in quality.
As the leading organization representing rheumatology professionals, the ACR has been included in discussions with both Congress and the Obama administration. Additionally, the ACR is actively involved with other medical societies in health reform discussions. But the ACR’s voice must not stop in Washington; it should be echoed by constituents in all states. Members of Congress are in Washington representing their constituents—you and your patients. To be certain your legislators know what matters most to you when it comes to effective healthcare reform, you need to take action.
How Can I Participate?
You can become an active voice for your patients and yourself simply by talking to lawmakers about the issues that affect rheumatology. There is nothing easier than telling your own story, and if you are passionate about things like access to quality care for all of your patients and fair reimbursement for your services, it is important to take the time to do this. You can reach your lawmakers by:
- Calling your legislators in Washington;
- E-mailing Congress through the ACR Legislative Action Center at www.capwiz.com/acr;
- Meeting with your legislators in your state; and
- Encouraging your colleagues and patients to get involved.
For more information, contact the ACR’s government affairs staff at advocacy@rheumatology.org.