Advocacy
“The Goal of the Washington American College of Cardiology is to improve Cardiovascular health for residents of Washington State through education, care, and advocacy.”
Overview of Amyloidosis: Genetic Testing and Drug Development
WA ACC Leaders Ready for Virtual Annual ACC Leg Conference on October 6 2020!
We met with 6 Senators/Congressmen.
L to R: Past President Eugene Yang, ND, FACC, Jill Stiner, MD, FACC, President Gautam Nayak,. MD FACC, Past President Tim Dewhurst, MD< FACC, Jim McRae, Advocacy Chair, Lianna Collinge, CAE CEO.
Dr. Yang’s Video Regarding the Legislative Conference
* In response to the 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, ACC worked with Congress and the Administration to achieve a 4 year phase-in of most scheduled cuts to cardiovascular-related services to help physicians adjust to the changes.
* ACC has since worked with Representative Charlie Gonzalez (D-Texas) and 65 other congressional signatories on a letter sent to CMS urging them to phase-in reimbursement cuts to SPECT MPI.
* ACC has worked with Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D-Texas) to introduce legislation (H.R. 4371) addressing these cuts to cardiology. The bill currently has 125 co-sponsors.
* Since January 1, 2009, ACCPAC has disbursed over $750,000 to over 200 congressional candidates and committees, $60,000 of which was disbursed to members of the California delegation.100 percent of personal contributions to the PAC from ACC members are used to fund such disbursements.
* Between 2009 and 2010 so far, ACCPAC has arranged 80 private, personal meetings between FACCs and their members of Congress. Facilitating strong and lasting relationships between our members and their federal lawmakers is at the core of ACCPAC’s mission.
Websites Available to You:
ACC Legislative Conference 2017
Thank you to the Washington State ACC chapter for the opportunity to attend the national ACC Legislative Conference in Washington D.C.! As a first time attendee, it was empowering to take issues we face in everyday clinical practice to our congress members on Capitol Hill and advocate for change. We had the opportunity to engage directly with Representatives Derek Kilmer, Adam Smith, and Pramila Jayapal about increasing NIH funding, expanding access to cardiac rehab, and easing administrative burdens on clinicians. As a testament to the importance of establishing these relationships, Congresswoman Jayapal cosponsored H.R. 1155 in support of expanding access to cardiac rehab only days after we met. Beyond meeting members of congress, I had the privilege to meet other ACC members from across the country. It was inspiring to witness so many physicians and cardiovascular team members advocate together for important legislation. I am honored to have attended this conference and am excited to see what we can achieve together in the future.
Health Reform Bill Passes in U.S. House of Representatives
“The American College of Cardiology opposes the AHCA in its current form, and is disappointed by its passage today in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said ACC President Mary Norine Walsh, MD, FACC. “As it stands, the AHCA would allow states to bypass existing federal protections for sick and elderly people, and potentially undermine coverage for critical services for patients with heart disease. This iteration of the AHCA is inconsistent with the ACC’s Principles for Health Reform, which reflect our belief in the importance of promoting patient access to meaningful insurance coverage and quality, cost-effective care.”
The ACC has previously expressed concerns about elements of the AHCA, particularly its impact on patient coverage. The College’s principles prioritize improved coverage for—and access to—efficient, high quality care; protection for individuals with pre-existing conditions; and continued national investment in preventive care, medical research and innovations.
“It is important for all members of Congress to prioritize protection for the most vulnerable Americans as health reform efforts move forward. The ACC will continue to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to create solutions that maintain patient access to the coverage and care they need,” said Walsh.
Get Involved in Grassroots
Through its advocacy efforts, the ACC builds relationships with Congress, federal government agencies, state legislative and regulatory bodies, private insurers and other policy making groups to advance the College’s mission of improving heart health.
In 2016, the College’s advocacy priorities include creating a value-driven health care system; ensuring patient access to care and cardiovascular practice stability; promoting the use of clinical data to improve care; fostering research and innovation in cardiovascular care; and improving population health and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Member participation in advocacy efforts is crucial to shaping the future of cardiology. See how ACC members are ensuring cardiology’s voice is heard at the local, state and national level. Now is the time to get involved! Find out how you can make a difference by visiting ACC.org/Advocacy or contacting your Chapter Executive!
Raise smoking age to 21 to save lives
[July 2016] Tobacco to 21 in WA campaign website, www.washington21.org, that houses helpful facts sheets, a growing roster of advocates and supporters, past media coverage and an opportunity to message your lawmakers.
Fact Sheet: Toll of Tobacco in Washington State
Fact Sheet: Why Raise the Age in Washington State
Fact Sheet: 21 Reasons to Raise the Age
News: “Raise smoking age to 21 to save lives” | By Seattle Times editorial board settings.
Washington Chapter, American College of Cardiology
5727 Baker Way NW, Suite 200
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Phone: 206-338-7379 | Fax: 253-265-3043
www.waacc.org
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