Health Care Reform Activism:

Disability Perspective

(NMSS)APHA Conference

Denver CO Nov 2010

Tammy Pilisuk, MPH

Presenter Disclosures Tammy Pilisuk, MPHThe following personal financial relationships with The following personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months:existed during the past 12 months:

No Relationships to discloseNo Relationships to disclose

Early StartJan’08est. FAC; “HCR Principles” top priority!

Feb-April ‘08Develop principles

May ‘08Ratify principles

May ‘09Activists take to Hill

Fall ‘08Education 7 outreach

Advocacy Tool 7 principles; chronic

disease/disability focus

Appeal to popular issues

Spur allies

Summary of Principles 1. Accessible –regardless of pre-existing condition 2. Affordable –coverage limits for chronic conditions

discriminatory 3. Standards for specific treatments —prevent

deterioration 4. Eliminate disparities —accessible exam rooms, transport 5. Comprehensive, quality care —full spectrum benefits,

unfettered access to specialists 6. Coordinated care —reduce redundant tests, utilize EMRs,

patient inclusion in care management 7. Long-term supports & services —not covered in private

insurance

Strategic Outreach Presented to Hill leaders, coalitions “First family” connection

Harold PollackPosted: October 2, 2008 10:35 AM Health Reform When your Life Depends on it: Seven Essential Principles from the Multiple Sclerosis Society…

Coalitions Key Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities More groups = 1 voice on core issues

Organized Grassroots

Over 30 people say it to the camera!

Educate Members National Call with

Chapters Introduce to local

boards Action alerts to GRCs Be an MS Activist:

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2009 PPC centerpiece

2009: HCR a top issue2010: mixed message

Unexpected Consequences E-Alert to support

House bill

Say what???

Political vs. traditional issue

Post ACA passage

Update on Health Care Reform

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Frequently Asked Questions About Health Care Reform

The following questions and answers represent the most common areas of interest expressed to the Society by people living with MS about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act since it was enacted in March 2010. The law is very complex and was designed to be implemented over a number of years…

Leveraging & Communicating Health Care Reform for the MS Community

Target Info to MS Community Regional teleconferences E-blasts on ACA updates “Drop-in” newsletter articles Collaborate w/ Families USA, othersCALENDAR ITEM: Heath Care Reform: What it Means for People Living with MS Oct 28th, 2010Marriott - Oakland City Center

ACA Implementation Actions Consumer rep on Review proposed regs

lifetime caps & phase out annual benefit caps Med loss ratios: chronic care mngmt = proven only!

…External review of rescissions and other non-medical coverage determinations are necessary to ensure that health insurance companies are in full compliance with the law and to protect consumers….

Ongoing InvolvementChapters & Activists:

Shift to states, Coalition involvement

Shape Health Ins. Exchanges

Ongoing Involvement (Cont’d)NMSS Leadership:

HCR top strategic goal

CLASS ACT & Community First Choices Act regs (2012 phase-in)

Pursue other legislation

Lessons Learned “Principles” a good organizing tool Coalitions essential Compromises inevitable Battleground: inform constituency, work

within existing framework, AND advocate for more