States fared better overall in the activity category, with more receiving an A or B. The one state that received an F was Mississippi.
All states and the District of Columbia now have at least one CDC-funded activity program implemented by the YMCA or another prominent group. Policymakers can help find funding for evidence-based rheumatology intervention programs, such as those funded by the CDC, and support program participation in rural areas and underserved communities, according to the report.
Using the Report Card Results
Policymakers, rheumatology professionals and patients can work together and use the report card findings to address access, affordability and lifestyle factors to improve the lives of those limited by pain and disability, Ms. Givens says. This is important because of the large number of people living with chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, who are finding it harder to afford their prescription medicines and access specialized care, she adds.
The ACR has continued to lobby at both the federal and state level for improvement in the areas of access, affordability and activity, as outlined in the report. Leaders have seen some progress in the past four years.
“The full report card gives all the states scores in individual categories, as well as case studies on key issues impacting the scores and an appendix that provides all the data on how the scores were compiled,” Ms. Givens says. “We hope states will use this information to identify the various opportunities they have to raise their score.”
With the majority of states receiving an overall grade of C, there is still a lot of work to be done to help those living with rheumatic disease, she adds.
Vanessa Caceres is a medical writer in Bradenton, Fla.
