Thank you for all your support!
The Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS) has had an impactful year staying engaged with policy on the national, federal, and local levels. We believe it is important to stay-up-to-date on any policies that are being developed and learn how we can continue to be the best advocates we can be for our patients, colleagues, and friends.
The RNS Advocacy Committee would like to send a heartfelt thank you for all of your support throughout the last year. As an organization, we have been able to sign onto over a dozen initiatives on the national and state levels, and encourage others to learn about how they too can utilize their voice, and make a change. Below you will see a brief recap of the bills we’ve signed onto, and more information on the 2023 Advocacy Summit and Hill Day.
RNS Responds on a National & Federal Level
Federal advocacy is accomplished in your elected official’s home district or on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Within the regulatory process, it can be accomplished through patient interaction with the FDA, other government agencies or national organizations.
Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173/S.3018)
RNS took action on S. 3018 in Quarter 4 of 2022. After passing in the House (HR 3173), RNS advocates took action and implored the Senate to also pass its version of the bill and send it to the White House for signature.
There is still time to take action! Visit RNSnurse.org/ActionCenter to contact your Senator today!
September 2022 – H.R. 8800 Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022
RNS signed onto a statement to endorse H.R. 8800 – Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022. This legislation would mitigate pending Medicare physician payment cuts by providing a 4.42% positive adjustment to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) conversion factor (CF) for CY 2023. The bill also includes a “Sense of Congress” on the need for legislative and administrative changes to the MPFS to ensure stability, promote and reward value-based care, and advance health equity to help reduce disparities.
Read the letter here
September 2022 – Addressing Copay Accumulator Adjustment Policies in the 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters
CMS has taken the position of allowing copay accumulators in the exchange/Affordable Care Act markets, as long as a State has no legislation to the contrary. Accumulators are programs used by insurers to prevent patients from using the full value of copay assistance. The ACCC letter urges CMS to repeal the regulatory language allowing the use of accumulators in the exchanges and to clarify that any assistance paid by, or on behalf of a patient, must be counted towards the annual deductible and out-of-pocket limit.
Read the letter here
It has been a great year for advocacy, take a look at the bills we’ve signed onto throughout the year:
Role of PBMs on Patient Access and Affordability of Prescription Drugs
Read the full letter here
Comments on HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2023 Proposed Rule, CMS-9911-P RIN 0938-AU65
Read the full letter here
Importance of Orphan Drug Tax Credit for People and Families Living with Autoimmune Disease
Read the full letter here