The Stand Against MS Through Advocacy
We all want health care to be accessible, affordable and comprehensive for all people. The National MS Society is taking a stand in Washington to make sure we are at the discussion table when the health care reform meetings are taking place this summer in the 111th Congress.
Earlier this year, the NMSS released the National Health Care Reform Principles outlining seven major areas of interest the MS community wants Congress to remain aware of when reforming the current system. The principles are: access, affordability, standardization, eliminating disparities, comprehensive system, electronic records and long term care.
The abbreviated versions of the Health Care Reform Principles (listed below) have been shared with the US Senate and House members and advocates continue to educate their staff about the crucial nature of comprehensive reform for all. Congress is working to have a draft bill(s) to President Obama by the end of the summer for his review.
Access (1)
Appropriate public or private coverage
Renewable and portable
Waiting periods and pre-existing conditions eliminated
Streamline paperwork
Immediate Medicare eligibility upon qualifying for SSDI
Affordability (2)
Co-pays, deductibles, out of pocket costs limited
Provisions for financially needy
Eliminate lifetime caps
(They discriminate against chronic care needs)
Standardization (3)
Standard therapy to prevent physical and cognitive deterioration
Timely appeals process
Cover patient care costs of clinical trials
Clarify treatment goals with supportive payment methods
Eliminate Disparities (4)
Accessible equipment
Assistive technology
Specialists available regardless of location
Telemedicine to bridge gaps in geographic disparities
Comprehensive (5)
Comprehensive benefits including but not limited to: medical care, prescriptions, dental care, rehab, preventative care, hospital in-patient care, mental health, durable medical equipment and hospice care
Increase reimbursement rates to reflect complex care to ensure adequate number of providers available
Electronic Records (6)
Systematic and coordinated use of technology
Enforced privacy standards
Long-term Care (7)
Olmstead Principles (accessible home and community based care to allow for independence in an integrated setting)
Broad-based mechanisms for averting financial devastation (long-term care and tax incentives)
Caregiver training, improved support outlets and respite care
If you feel that health care reform is one of your priorities too then we need your help in making sure our Florida Congressional delegation continues to hear from us. The Florida chapters of the MS Society are also working in conjunction with partner organizations with similar health care priorities to keep the momentum strong.
Please sign up for the NMSS Action Alert system at www.NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG/MSACTIVIST
to stay abreast of the happenings. If you have any questions about the Health Care Reform Principles or Advocacy please email Jenna Labadie at Jenna.Labadie@NMSS.ORG. Take a Stand!