The committee also focuses efforts to raise awareness of the importance of advocacy and current issues for ACR/ARHP members through updates at the Annual Meeting and the advocacy website.
RheumPAC
RheumPAC is the ACR/ARHP’s nonpartisan political action committee. It was created 10 years ago with the mission of educating, electing and supporting federal lawmakers who understand and can positively address the issues that impact rheumatology professionals and patients. RheumPAC creates opportunities for the ACR to educate key policymakers on the importance and value of rheumatology. The ACR/ARHP’s top public policy priorities, as identified by GAC and approved by the ACR Board of Directors, can be adequately addressed only when legislators understand the extent and impact of rheumatology-related policy issues.
RheumPAC Chair Harry Gewanter, MD, is a pediatric rheumatologist and indefatigable booster of our advocacy efforts. The ARHP committee representatives include Victoria Merrell, PA-C, MPT, a physician assistant and Nilsa Cruz, BS, a practice manager.
Candidates are recommended for support by ACR/ARHP members and our advocacy staff. We consider many factors for candidate contributions (e.g., voting record, committee assignments, leadership, number of members in district, etc.) and make funding recommendations based on available resources. RheumPAC members review these recommendations and the committee has final approval of the list of supported candidates. RheumPAC is bipartisan and determines candidates’ eligibility for support on the basis of their past support for policies that directly affect rheumatology or their ability to further our goals in their position in Congress. All U.S.-based ACR/ARHP members are welcome to suggest candidates for support. Find out more about these efforts.
Member Outreach & Key Issues
Over the next year and beyond, advocacy efforts will continue to focus on key federal and state issues affecting rheumatology.
The proposed repeal and replacement of the American Health Care Act is a key issue being closely monitored. The ACR/ARHP has written to leaders in the U.S. Senate emphasizing the need for revisions to include coverage and support for necessary rheumatologic treatments. Our rapid response team has had timely statements from ACR President Sharad Lakhanpal, MD, picked up in widely read venues, including The Washington Post, The Hill, Morning Consult and other publications. The goal is to ensure affordable coverage and access to lifesaving medications for Americans living with rheumatic diseases.
Other key priorities include legislation to expand the rheumatology workforce, the repeal of Medicare therapy caps that limit access to rehabilitation and chronic disease management services in the outpatient setting, legislation to support the repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), and support for funding of medical research for rheumatic diseases, including a dedicated research budget for medical research related to arthritis for the Department of Defense.