In early March, leading members of Congress and other key policymakers will meet face to face with volunteer leaders of the ACR.
Learn How the ACR is Advancing Rheumatology on Capitol Hill
While you are at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting learning about the latest advancements in rheumatologic care, stop by the Advocacy kiosk at the ACR Resource Center to discuss the latest developments in health policy. Currently, medicine is on the verge of great change with Congress discussing everything from physician payment reform to cuts to biomedical research and medical liability reform. The ACR advocates on behalf of the rheumatology profession and our patients and is actively pursuing the following issues:
RheumPAC: It’s Not About Politics
The best thing about RheumPAC is that it’s not political.
Are We There Yet?
Advancing rheumatology through public relations
RheumPAC: Advance Rheumatology on Capital Hill
One way to succeed in our mission of advancing rheumatology is to increase the ACR’s presence on Capitol Hill through grassroots and direct lobbying. However, for the rheumatology subspecialty to be most effective we must use all tools available to us, including RheumPAC, the ACR’s nonpartisan political action committee. RheumPAC demonstrates to members of Congress that the rheumatology subspecialty is committed to political action, educating policy makers, and improving healthcare for our patients.
A Huge Thank You to 251 People
RheumPAC supporters are helping to advance rheumatology
Shake-up in Washington. What’s in Store for Health Policy in the 112th?
Congress returns to Washington this month, and there will be many new faces on Capitol Hill. The recent midterm election will bring significant changes to the 112th Congress, leaving many to wonder what this new dynamic means for health policy.
2011 Legislative Outlook Important for Rheumatology
Next year is shaping up to be an important year for rheumatology on Capitol Hill. Issues that remain unresolved by the last Congress include concerns within the Affordable Care Act, the need for a stable Medicare system with fair physician reimbursement, funding for the pediatric subspecialty loan repayment program, and appropriate reimbursement for specialty care. Most congressional leaders, newly elected or re-elected, know very little about arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. That is why it is critical that rheumatology professionals reach out and educate them on the importance of specialty care and the impact these diseases have on one’s quality of life.
Support for Friends of Rheumatology
RheumPAC—the voluntary, nonpartisan political action committee of the ACR—works to support and elect pro-rheumatology candidates. RheumPAC representatives were busy in May meeting with supporters of the rheumatology community.
Congratulations to the RheumPAC Raffle Winners
During the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting, held in October in Philadelphia, RheumPAC held a raffle. Participants received one raffle ticket for every $20 donated to the PAC. At the end of the meeting, two winners were randomly drawn.