Welcome to the ACP Advocate

Today we open our issue by re-capping President Obama's discussion of the Affordable Care Act in his State of the Union address last week. I'm glad that the President was able to use the opportunity to remind the public of some of the benefits of the law that we've already seen and some that are coming into play now. Also of note, in the speech he addressed the need to reverse the cuts to medical research that were the result of the sequestration cuts to the federal budget last year year. I'm pleased that he addressed this issue that we've been talking about since before the cuts took effect.

Our second story today is an update for you on the spending bill that Congress passed to cover the rest of the fiscal year. The bill restores some of the funding that had been scheduled to be cut for health care-related agencies this year. Additionally, it marks the first time in a while that the two houses of Congress have been able to come to any agreement on spending issues. Take a look at the article for more details about how funding is being distributed.

Finally, our last story takes a look at a new study on the impact of Medicaid on ER visits.  The study from Science magazine shows that increased Medicaid eligibility can cause increased ER visits. I encourage you to read the article for more information about the study and how it may not relate to the Medicaid expansion taking place because of the Affordable Care Act.

Until our next issue, 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