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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Welcome to the ACP Advocate
In today's first story we bring you an update on the SGR repeal legislation that we first told you about in our last issue. The article lets you know what ACP leadership has been doing to advocate for this legislation, sending letters and meeting with congressional leadership. We also update you on how our Advocates for Internal Medicine have been helping us get the message out. Again, if you're not already part of our Advocates network I encourage you to consider joining. Take a look at the article for more details.
Our second story today updates you on the experience that physicians are seeing in their practices when patients newly enrolled in health insurance through the exchanges come in for appointments. Along with some administrative challenges, they also report enjoying seeing patients who haven't been able to come in for awhile. Check out the article for more information and information on resources from ACP that could help your practice with this transition.
Finally, our last article for you today is an update on the enrollment numbers that we're seeing on the exchanges. After the rocky launch last fall the number of people enrolling in insurance plans through the exchanges was drastically behind the administration's projections. As the issues with the website have been resolved the numbers have been getting better. The current number only includes enrollments through the end of January, so we still have two months of data left to receive. The article has more details about how much catching up still needs to be done, and about other concerns that remain about the sign ups.
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 |
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In focus
NHSC Loan Repayment Program is now open for FY 2014
Licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health providers serving in communities with limited access to health care are eligible to apply for enrollment. The dollar amount is dependent on full or half-time participation and need in the area. Act soon, applications will be accepted through March 20, 2014. |
Become an Advocate for Internal Medicine
Join ACP’s Advocates for Internal Medicine Network (AIMn). You’ll find updates about the latest legislation affecting internists and be able to help contribute to ACP’s continued success on Capitol Hill. In addition, the program will provide you with legislative alerts designed to help you easily email or call your members of Congress to let them hear about the issues important to you and other internal medicine physicians. |
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