Part 2- A Patients’ Perspective on Healthcare in America-The Ridiculous: That Time When a Revolutionary Act got Lost in the Senate.
In July of 2015, the House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Cures Act by a wide bipartisan margin (344-77).
Among other things, this bill gives new funding to the NIH and FDA, allows for the re-purposing of already researched, existing drugs for rare diseases since most use off label drugs anyway because they have none of their own. Advances research for neurological diseases and refocuses drug development on the patient. Together these bills could have to potential to speed up treatments by decades.
Sadly, the Senate started picking it apart, scheduling three different hearings to pass individual provisions and bills. Here comes the really ridiculous part. Congress only meets for 10 days in March and has all of August and October off. At the rate of their attendance, countless people will have died because our legislature is on vacation.
What can we do?
Sadly, there is just as much apathy in the country as there is with many (not all) in the Senate. But we can make a difference by getting involved in our own healthcare legislation. It’s not hard, and from what I’ve heard from Congressmen, staffers, and other advocates, those regulating our lives in Washington really do listen to our voices.
I personally spoke with my local Congressman regarding a bill I am deeply connected with, H.R. 605 The Medicare Home Infusion Site Act, and he cosponsored it giving it a boost in credibility and making it one step closer to becoming a law.
It’s time to make ourselves heard.
Some of the components in the 21st Century Cures Act, have been pulled out as stand alone bills to get passed more easily. Although they aren’t as strong as the entire Act, they still have great merit and are worth our involvement.
Sadly, all are extremely important yet fragile and can easily disappear if we don’t help them get pushed forward. These bills are currently under review in the Senate:
- The Advancing Hope Act (S1878)
- The Open Act (S.1421)
- The Patient Focused Assessment Act (S.1597)
- The Andrea Sloan Cure Act(HR 909)
- Medicare Home Infusion Site Act (S275) which allows Medicare patients to receive ongoing infusions at home instead of the hospital which puts the at risk for infection. This is at a $93 million savings to taxpayers.
RDLA offers a site with pre-filled letters that will be sent directly to your Senator.
It’s an election year. That means things don’t pass just because it’s an election year. If you don’t think you can make a huge difference in your own life with the legislative process, you are fooling yourself. Anyone with an illness should really take a look at these bills. If you think they are a good idea, let Congress know. Sending a quick letter that could save your life is really easy to do too.
Alone we are strong, together we are powerful!
About the Author:
Lisa Douthit is the author of Amazon’s #1 bestselling book, Wellness Warrior – Fighting for Life in Fabulous Shoes and an Integrative Health Consultant who is passionate about healing from all perspectives. After struggling with multiple bouts of cancer and autoimmune disease, no one understands the physical, spiritual, and emotional rollercoaster better than she does.
As one of the 40 million American women currently suffering with an autoimmune disease, she made it her mission to have a voice for all those with an invisible illness that cannot, as well as share the understanding of lessons she learned to help us all feel and be better. She has a private Facebook Group called Wellness Warrior Tribe for all those with chronic illness looking for support and encouragement. For more out of the box thinking that is guaranteed to bring you joy, Like her Facebook Page here or join the tribe here.
