Advocacy in Action: Health Spending, Insulin Pricing, Women’s Health, and More

  • Aug 2018

Here is a quick rundown of major issues being discussed by policymakers from an endocrine perspective and the Society’s current advocacy work. 

What Is Happening in Washington

Senate Prepares to Vote on Health Spending – Senators this week are enjoying a recess break. They will return on Aug. 15 and are expected to begin consideration of the appropriations bill (S 3159) that includes funding for the National Institutes of Health and Department of Health & Human Services. The Senate measure has so far avoided contentious policy riders but will have to eventually reconcile with the House bill (HR 6470), including controversial restrictions on abortion.

New Appointees – President Trump has announced his selection of meteorologist Kelvin Droegemeier to direct the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), an office that past presidents frequently sought advice of on a wide range of scientific matters, from Ebola to nuclear policy.  The scientific community has welcomed the news of the new appointee, citing that Droegemeier is very well respected in his field and has spent his career teaching on the effects of climate science. Droegemeier has to be confirmed by the Senate.  To read more about the President’s new appointee, click here.

What We Are Working on

Taking Action on Funding for NIH – As noted above, the Senate is scheduled to vote on or about August 15 on the Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bill that includes funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We are advocating for $39.3 billion for NIH.  We have sent an action alert to all US member researchers. We also are collecting member stories of what NIH funding means to them.  We hope to get 100% APOCC participation in our campaign.

Insulin Pricing – When the Associated Press wire service needed an expert on the forces driving up insulin costs, reporter Matthew Perrone turned to us. His interview with Chief Professional and Clinical Affairs Officer Robert Lash, MD, appeared in major media outlets, including The Washington Post and FOX Business Network.  Read it here.

We are also working on a new position statement on insulin pricing. We will conduct special roundtables with members at CEU, “Rising Insulin Costs & How You Can Make a Difference” to hear from our members about the impact of rising insulin costs on their practices and to get their feedback on recommendations to Congress.  Roundtables will be Thursday, September 6, at 12:15-1:15 and Friday, September 7, at 12:00-1:00.

EDCs – We launched a new web page that focuses on our advocacy https://www.endocrine.org/advocacy/priorities-and-positions/edc

Women’s Health – We will participate in a Public Health Fair September 12 on Capitol Hill to educate congressional offices about public health issues.  Our booth, “Reproduction in the 21st Century:  It’s Complicated” will showcase women’s endocrine-related reproductive health. Topics will include access to care, PCOS, Title X, infertility, contraception, pregnancy, and will host a “miracle baby” conceived because of advances in endocrinology.

Comment Letters – Our latest comment letters sent this week to Congress and EPA:

Find more in