The Current Health Care Climate

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1 BCAN and Lobbyit.com BCAN and Lobbyit.com Lobbyit.com is BCAN s representative in Washington Lobbyit.com was founded in 2009, represents over 40 clients across broad spectrum on policy areas Lobbyit is working in three main areas 1. Advocating to increase research funding (DOD) 2. Raising awareness of BCAN and bladder cancer 3. Organizing a Hill Day and briefings on the Hill What can I do to help? Write your Congressman and ask him to support our efforts Participate in the Hill Day, or work with Lobbyit to set up district visits The Current Health Care Climate 2016 Congress in Full GOP Control Senate: Republicans 54 seats, Democrats 44, Independents 2 House: Republicans 247 seats, Democrats 188 Bipartisan cooperation? Unlikely, 27% of R s optimistic, 20% of D s (Pew, 1/15) Agenda driven by issues that have expired or are looming Political bills (ACA, Immigration, gun control) 1

2 114 th Congress - Most Diverse... But About 20% women and 17% non-white BUT Still 80% male and 80% white Record 104 women legislators BUT only 3 hold committee leadership positions (down from the 113 th ) Key Committee Leadership Senate Armed Services Chair: John McCain (R-AZ) RM: Jack Reed (D-RI) Senate HELP Chair: Lamar Alexander (R-TN) RM: Patty Murray (D-WA) House Armed Services Chair: Mac Thornberry (R-TX) RM: Adam Smith (D-WA) House Energy & Commerce, Health Subcommittee Chair: Joe Pitts (R-PA) RM: Gene Green (D-TX) Cancer Moonshot Initiative led by White House and Vice President Convened 400 cancer researchers, oncologists, nurses, patients, advocates to kick off June 29, 2016 Mission is to double the rate of progress in cancer research and treatment, striving to accelerate 10 years of achievements into 5 President Obama has requested around $1 billion over two years FDA created new oncology center of excellence Dr. Richard Pazdur to lead NDAA and Defense Spending Bladder cancer is included within DOD s CDMRP PRCP NDAA currently stalled, however Chairman McCain has vowed that he will send something to the floor in November Largest health research budget in the federal government Pentagon recently drafted a paper strategizing against Republican budget cuts Hillary Clinton and Healthcare Secretary Clinton intends to: Defend and build upon the Affordable Care Act. Lessen out-of-pocket expenses. Encourage states to expand Medicaid. Invest in making enrollment easier. Expand access to healthcare to all families, regardless of immigration status. Fight drug companies on rising prescription drug prices. Protect access to women s reproductive healthcare. 2

3 Donald Trump and Healthcare Mr. Trump wants a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act and replace it with the following policies: Allow sale of insurance across state lines. Make premium payments fully deductible from tax returns for individuals. Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts. Require price transparency from all providers. Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers. Consumers would have access to drugs from overseas. 115 th Congress Outlook The GOP is expected to keep its majority in the House of Representatives. It is not out of the question for Democrats to gain a majority in the Senate. What we may see from the next Congress: Increased defense spending ACA depends on the next President and Senate. Mental health will take a front seat, continuing the bipartisan efforts of the 114 th Congress. Medicare reform? Advocacy How You Can Advocate and Influence Three main ways Participate in BCAN s Hill Day Utilize BCAN s Advocacy Portal District Visits with Local Congressional Delegations 3

4 BCAN s Hill Day May to Coincide with National Bladder Cancer Month Patient advocates from throughout the U.S. descend on Washington for a day of lobbying the hill on our priorities Advocates meet with their own Congressional delegation as well as with important Members in leadership within the relevant committees Priorities include raising awareness, advocating for additional DOD funding Advocacy Portal Advocates can Lobby from Afar Functionality on federal, state and local government On BCAN s website, click get involved, then make your voice heard 607 messages sent to 286 Members and Senators Current Campaign is to Support Defense Research Funding District Visits Each Congressional office also has local (district staff) If you cannot make it to D.C., great idea to sit down with district staff, and possibly the Member when they are in the district Tell your story! BCAN always has an advocacy effort ongoing, we will provide talking points for our ultimate goals but they need to hear from you! 4

5 Contact Information Brandon Farris