As we anticipate August recess, the fall election season, and the coming end of the 118th congressional session, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is continuing its push to secure the modernization of Medicare, patient access, and patient choice. I had the opportunity to see ACA in action on June 14, when I was joined on Capitol Hill by ACA members Drs. Alli Totzke and Mia Ortega of Virginia, and John Falardeau, ACA senior vice president of public policy and advocacy.
The Virginia delegation met with staffers in nine offices of members of Congress, including both senators representing the state, eight representatives, and one representative from West Virginia. These productive meetings were driven by the doctors’ breath of knowledge and care for their patients’ access to quality services.
“[Lobbying] lets you see how your voice can make an impact on policy changes directly,” said Dr. Totzke. “It can all come down to one conversation, which is why it’s so important to have these meetings. I especially love when my patients ask why I was out of the office when I get back, to share the work we are doing for them.”
We discussed H.R. 1610/S. 799, The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, and received significant interest from the congressional staff we met with. The bill is a top priority of ACA and is crucial to securing Medicare patients’ access to the full scope of chiropractic services allowed under a chiropractor’s state licensure. After obtaining a significant number of cosponsors (165 in the House), we are continuing to push for broader support heading into the fall.
“[Lobbying] is a great opportunity to build relationships with the staffers who recognize our faces from our frequent visits,” Dr. Ortega said. “Our conversations are evolving with each visit, and I’m optimistic that support for this bill will continue to grow.”
Drs. Totzke and Ortega traveled a significant distance to lobby on behalf of their patients, and ACA expresses a well-deserved thanks for their efforts and leadership.
Emma Meehan is ACA’s associate manager of federal government relations.
