We are nearing the halfway point of 2019 and are one-quarter of the way through the ACR’s recently launched Access 2020 campaign, an advocacy campaign to increase ACR/ARP access to decision makers and the rulemaking process through RheumPAC by raising $300,000 and increasing the number of ACR/ARP members who contribute to 900.
Progress Report
So far in the 116th Congress, we are excited to be working with legislators on bills codifying exceptions to step therapy, simplifying the prior authorization process and restoring reimbursement to private practices for necessary osteoporosis testing. The College is also working with lawmakers to address the workforce shortage issue and broaden access to funding for biomedical research on rheumatic disease.
The RheumPAC Advocacy Fund
To educate legislators and leverage the voice of rheumatology professionals, RheumPAC created the RheumPAC Advocacy Fund, which practices and state societies can contribute to through their organizations’ accounts. Nonprofit organizations, such as the ACR, are barred from direct financial participation in politics and advocacy. Therefore, the College relies on RheumPAC resources to help it gain access to lawmakers. This access is what allows the ACR to educate legislators on important healthcare policy and its impact on rheumatology professionals.
We launched Access 2020 with a $300,000 goal and hope to have 900 ACR/ARP members participating in RheumPAC by the end of 2020. To stay on track, RheumPAC needs to raise $150,000 from 450 members in 2019. So far, we’ve raised $57,313 from 140 members.
What You Can Do
Help us support these policies and reach these goals. Visit www.MyAccess2020.org to learn more.
