Welcome to the last ACP Advocate of 2017,
Today's first story is another update for you about what's happening in Congress. In addition to the tax reform legislation, there are still numerous other things that should be taken care of before Congress adjourns for the year. We'll be keeping a close eye on all of it, and we'll be sure to let you know about anything that impacts internists. Take a look at the article for details about what we're watching and where we have concerns.
Our second story lets you know about a new policy paper that ACP released late last month. Improving Health Care Efficacy and Efficiency Through Increased Transparency explores this complex issue and makes recommendations about how to improve and increase transparency.
Before I sign off, I'd like to remind you that today is last day of open enrollment for health insurance plans on the ACA marketplaces. If there is anyone you know who still needs to sign up for their coverage for 2018, please take a moment to remind them that today is their last chance. To the right of this letter you can find links to resources on ACP's website that have more information about enrolling.
For more coverage of what's happening in Washington, take a look at my award-winning blog, The ACP Advocate Blog by Bob Doherty. You can also follow me on Twitter @BobDohertyACP.
As always, please send your feedback and suggestions on this newsletter to: TheACPAdvocate@acponline.org.
Yours truly,
Bob Doherty
Senior Vice President
Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
American College of Physicians
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| In the news |
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Health Care Issues Remain Entangled in Congressional Wrangling
ACP continues to raise its voice to protect patients and physicians as political decisions draw near
Dec. 15, 2017 (ACP) -- Though Congress is expected to make decisions before year's end on an array of financial issues, it's still far from clear just how things will turn out. With that as the backdrop, the... (read more)
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ACP Calls for Increased Transparency in Health Care Pricing
Policy paper outlines steps to make costs and quality data more available to patients
Dec. 15, 2017 (ACP) -- At his clinic in Philadelphia, internist Dr. Jack Ende is familiar with treating a variety of conditions. But few are as challenging as cases of what he calls "sticker shock."
read more)
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| About this newsletter |
| The ACP Advocate is an e-newsletter, edited by the College's Washington, DC governmental affairs division, created to provide you, our members, with succinct news about public policy issues affecting internal medicine and patient care. To learn more about ACP's Advocacy and to access the ACP Advocate archives, go to www.acponline.org/advocacy. |
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| In focus |
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Last Day for ACA Open Enrollment! |
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With the shortened enrollment season this year, today is the last to enroll for 2018. If you have patients who still need help enrolling, ACP’s Enrollment Resources page has information about what patients need to do to sign up, including state-specific information and contacts. For more about what’s different for enrollment for this year, see our coverage in the ACP Advocate. |
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You Could Win ACP's Innovation Challenge 2018 |
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ACP is accepting applications for the Innovation Challenge to be held at the 2018 Internal Medicine Meeting in New Orleans, Re-Imagining the Practice of Internal Medicine. Finalists will present their ideas to to transform the practice of internal medicine on a national level to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. The Grand Prize winner will receive $20,000 to support implementation/study of their idea. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31. |
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