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.
RheumPAC Supports Those Who Support Rheumatology
RheumPAC, the ACR’s Political Action Committee, ensures that the ACR is involved in healthcare reform discussions. RheumPAC representatives have been busy attending fundraisers and educating key congressional members on the ACR’s legislative priorities.
Rep. Allyson Schwarz Speaks at Annual Meeting
Representative Allyson Schwarz (D-Pa.) held a Healthcare Legislative Update at the 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia, held in October. Rep. Schwartz spoke to a group of rheumatology professionals about the different healthcare proposals currently before Congress. As a key member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Schwartz gave an insider’s view of the healthcare reform debate going on in the House. She was interested in the perspective of the rheumatology community and took questions from the audience. Members of the audience asked the Representative about issues important to rheumatologists, such as access to care, elimination of the sustainable growth rate formula, and medical liability reform.
PAC Progress and Challenges
After three years, RheumPAC has a solid start, and more work ahead of it
RheumPAC Supports Two Candidates Who Support Rheumatology
RheumPAC, the ACR’s political action committee (PAC), ensures that the ACR is involved in healthcare reform discussions. RheumPAC representatives have been busy attending fundraisers and educating key congressional members on the ACR’s legislative priorities.
What Has RheumPAC Done for You Lately?
RheumPAC, the ACR’s political action committee, is dedicated to ensuring that rheumatology issues are addressed in healthcare reform. The best way to make sure the issues affecting rheumatology are being heard is to engage in the discussions and to contribute to congressional campaigns.
I RheumPAC, Do You?
For many years, the ACR board of directors and Government Affairs Committee have done exemplary work in keeping members abreast of legislative regulatory issues that affect all aspects of rheumatology, including patient and physician/healthcare professional issues, education, and research. Through advocacy, the ACR advances rheumatology and fosters excellence in the care of people with, or at risk for, arthritis and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. One might say that advocacy is a cornerstone of this organization.