When I first read the request for advocates to fly in to Washington D.C., I was intrigued and curious. I’ve heard of visits to Capitol Hill to present important medical issues but was not really sure how the process worked. Politics can seem daunting and complicated, but I know it is necessary to get Congress on board to address medical care. I was excited to be accepted and ready to learn how to best help my patients in the political arena.
Advocating for Arthritis: My First Time on the Hill
Amidst the most momentous week of the year’s tumultuous healthcare reform activities, we arrived in Washington, D.C., for the annual ACR Advocates for Arthritis Capitol Hill Fly-In. This was to be my first visit to Congress. Although my alma mater, Georgetown University, was a short distance from the Capitol dome, as a student I had little interest in the political process—particularly as it related to medicine. Now, however, as a young rheumatologist, I am increasingly aware of the impact health policy has on my daily practice. I have also watched the healthcare reform debate unfold over the last year, recognizing that this is a critical time for physicians to be vocal and active. There is a great deal at stake, and we are surrounded daily by the very issues debated in Washington. Why not take our opinions directly to the decision makers?
Leaders in Washington, D.C., Addresses Advocates for Arthritis Conference
This spring, 120 rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals, and patient advocates travelled to Washington, D.C., for the ACR’s annual Advocates for Arthritis conference.
In Advocacy, Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Earlier in the year, it seemed that healthcare reform was stopped in its tracks because of the Massachusetts Senate special election—which placed Republican Scott Brown in the seat held by the “Liberal Lion,” Edward M. Kennedy. The Senate Democrats lost their supermajority and the momentum to pass President Obama’s healthcare reform legislation subsided. But through strong lobbying by the president, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590)—comprehensive healthcare reform—on March 21, and the president signed the bill into law on March 23.
Call Your Lawmakers the Week of March 15
The elimination of consultation code services, the repeated battle to avert Medicare cuts, the need for increased research funding, the creation of a loan repayment program for pediatric rheumatologists, and fair costs for drug therapies are all issues that members of Congress have influence over. All of these issues affect the rheumatology profession, whether you are a clinical practitioner, researcher, academic, or health professional.
Thinkers Wanted: Join the Grassroots Rheumatology Think Tank
We need you to join the grassroots rheumatology think tank
Don’t Just Watch Health Policy Unfold—Take Action
If you are tired of just watching and reading about health policy decisions that affect you, your patients, and your profession, take action today to help shape the future of healthcare. The ACR offers multiple ways for you to stay informed about legislation affecting rheumatology professionals and can teach you how to influence the decisions made on Capitol Hill.
RheumPAC Supports Those Who Support Rheumatology
RheumPAC, the ACR’s Political Action Committee, ensures that the ACR is involved in healthcare reform discussions. RheumPAC representatives have been busy attending fundraisers and educating key congressional members on the ACR’s legislative priorities.
Rep. Allyson Schwarz Speaks at Annual Meeting
Representative Allyson Schwarz (D-Pa.) held a Healthcare Legislative Update at the 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia, held in October. Rep. Schwartz spoke to a group of rheumatology professionals about the different healthcare proposals currently before Congress. As a key member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Schwartz gave an insider’s view of the healthcare reform debate going on in the House. She was interested in the perspective of the rheumatology community and took questions from the audience. Members of the audience asked the Representative about issues important to rheumatologists, such as access to care, elimination of the sustainable growth rate formula, and medical liability reform.
PAC Progress and Challenges
After three years, RheumPAC has a solid start, and more work ahead of it