Learn how ACR staff and volunteers support the interests of the rheumatology community in public policy efforts related to Medicare reimbursement, step therapy reform, drug pricing, supporting the medical workforce and more.
From Oct. 15–Nov. 15, all donations to RheumPAC will be amplified by matching contributions, so it’s the best time to make your yearly investment. Donors above the silver level will be invited to a special event at ACR Convergence 2023.
The long-awaited list of the first 10 Part D drugs to be included in the new Medicare Price Negotiation process includes the commonly prescribed rheumatology drugs Enbrel and Stelara. Initial negotiations with the drug manufacturers will begin this fall.
In late September, 80 rheumatologists, rheumatology professionals and patients living with rheumatic disease convened in Washington, D.C., for the ACR’s annual Advocates for Arthritis conference, where they marshaled in support of legislation that would reduce current barriers to care for patients.
On July 13, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. This annual rule outlines policies related to provider reimbursement, coverage of telehealth services, review of specific codes, refinement of evaluation and management codes and updates to the Quality Payment Program.
On July 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina introduced a machine-learning technology platform to make decisions about patients’ care and treatment. The ACR opposes its use on grounds that it may harm patients’ access to treatment and undermine the doctor-patient relationship.
On July 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP) updates. Notably, the Fee Schedule decreases the conversion factor, which coupled with reimbursement stagnation for payment updates and congressionally mandated cuts, has created financial instability for physicians across all specialties. …
As health insurance companies and third-party benefit managers continue to use copay accumulators and maximizers to shift the cost of specialty drugs to patients, the ACR continues to advocate against programs that limit copay assistance.
Legislators head home to their districts in August, providing a chance for you to engage them in personal conversations about healthcare policies and how their work affects rheumatology practices and patients.
Applications are open for this year’s Advocates for Arthritis, which brings together patients and rheumatology professionals to advocate on Capitol Hill. It will be held Sept. 26–27 in Washington, D.C.