About this newsletter
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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, go to www.acponline.org/advocacy
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Welcome to The ACP Advocate.
In this week’s issue you’ll find coverage of new developments in the movement for health care reform. First we examine the Obama administration’s efforts to create a government insurance plan. Then we take a look at the new nominee for Secretary of HHS, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Finally we detail the health care provisions in President Obama’s budget, and let you know ACP’s reaction.
In other exciting news, ACP President Jeffrey P. Harris, MD, FACP, was invited to participate in the health care summit that was held at the White House yesterday afternoon. In our next issue we’ll provide you with full coverage of the event, including Dr. Harris’s perspective.
For more discussion on health care reform you might be interested in participating in my webinar discussing the chances for reform in 2009. Information about the upcoming session is to the right of this letter.
Also, for even more about health care reform and other health policy issues, check out my blog, The ACP Advocate Blog by Bob Doherty . I hope you’ll join me over the course of this year, as I discuss ACP’s efforts in guiding health care reform.
And, 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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Does New Health Insurance Plan Tilt Too Much Toward Government? |
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Critics say Obama's proposal puts too much control in government's hands
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HealthDay News -- As the Obama administration begins tackling health reform, a key element of the president's strategy -- the creation of a new government insurance plan -- is generating heated debate.
During his campaign, Obama called for a "National Health Insurance Exchange" that would offer a new public health plan alongside private plans to ensure access to affordable health coverage.» Click to read the full article
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Obama Taps Sebelius and DeParle to Head Health Team |
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Their healthcare administrative agency experience is emphasized
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HealthDay News -- A second-term Midwest governor and a former Clinton administration health official have been given the challenging task of leading the new administration's charge to reform health care.
On Monday, President Barack Obama nominated Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to serve as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a cabinet-level position that involves c... » Click to read the full article
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Health Priorities Highlighted in U.S. Budget |
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It sets aside billions for reform and spares MDs scheduled cuts in Medicare fees |
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HealthDay News -- Vowing to tackle the "crushing cost of health care" and ensure "quality, affordable health care for every American," President Barack Obama put the nation on notice that he would make health reform a top priority.
Toward that end, his budget proposal sets aside more than $630 billion over 10 years as a so-called "down payment" on health reform, financed in part through $316... » Click to read the full article
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American College of Physicians' involvement:
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In focus
Upcoming ACP webinar on Health Care Reform
On Wednesday, Mar. 12 at 7pm, Eastern Time, the College will host a webinar to discuss health care reform. The presentation, hosted by Bob Doherty, ACP’s senior vice president of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy, will focus on the likelihood of achieving substantial reforms this year. The registration fee is $25. Registration instructions for this webinar, and further information about another upcoming webinar on the topic of coding, are available at the link above. |
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