The Affordable Care Act:
Stand with SGIM for Access to Health Care

February 17, 2017

Dear SGIM Members –

This weekend, members of Congress will return to their districts for a week-long recess. When they do, they will hear from constituents at town halls, forums, informal meetings and more. At the top of the agenda: the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

While SGIM is deeply engaged in the debate in Washington, we want to join in the discussion at the local level as well. To do that, we need your help.

Although people vary in how they view the strengths and limitations of the ACA, the SGIM Health Policy Committee believes that a system that insured tens of millions of Americans, tackled thorny reimbursement issues and funded critical research should not simply be abandoned with nothing to replace it or improve it.

The House of Representatives has attempted to repeal the ACA more than 60 times during the past seven years. If such a bill reaches President Trump’s desk, he will likely sign it.

As medical professionals, we have a unique and powerful message to deliver to legislators. Here’s what you can do, right now, to get involved:

  • Attend a town hall or pubic event during recess: Over the next week, attend a legislator’s town hall in your district and speak out in favor of the ACA or the provisions you think are most important. The Town Hall project compiles and lists many meetings nationwide at https://townhallproject.com/. If your district isn’t listed, you can call the local office of your member of Congress and ask. Consider teaming up with a colleague to attend an event or to participate in one of the other activities below.

  • Schedule an in-district meeting with your member of Congress. Health professionals’ voices carry weight with legislators, and most will be willing to meet with a small group of concerned constituents with deep, relevant experience. Come prepared with talking points and supporting materials. Information about the number of ACA enrollees in each congressional district can be found here: http://kff.org/interactive/interactive-maps-estimates-of-enrollment-in-aca-marketplaces-and-medicaid-expansion/

  • Write an op-ed or letter to the editor in your local newspaper, drawing on your personal experience to describe the impact of the ACA. Focus on stories related to you and your patients that drive home the real-world effects of the ACA. An example op-ed is here http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2017/01/07/doctor-dont-repeal-obamacare/96195894/

  • Keep us posted. If you write an op-ed, take photos at a town hall, or have a productive conversation with your member of congress, let us know at HPaction@sgim.org. We’ll be highlighting successful actions going forward.

The debate over the ACA will be long and this is only the beginning. But by ensuring our voices are heard now and throughout the debate, we can help shape the outcome and help protect the health of all Americans. We hope you’ll join us.

Best,

The Society of General Internal Medicine Health Policy Committee
http://www.sgim.org/communities/advocacy

Society of General Internal Medicine  | 1500 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 |