By Alpha Lillstrom Cheng, JD, MA
Being an active advocate this election season is more important than ever. Candidates are crisscrossing their districts eager to talk to voters, and how you engage with them could change the makeup of the incoming Congress and impact the laws it passes. Democrats, bruised by their defeats in 2016, are eager to reclaim political control where they can; they are seeking to regain the majority in at least one if not both houses of Congress. Republicans are working hard to maintain their current bicameral majority. These goals motivate candidates to more readily respond to outreach from their voters.
Regulatory impact on health insurance reforms.
By Alpha Lillstrom Cheng, JD, MA
Congress spent most of 2017 attempting to pass health care reform legislation. In the end, the most significant legislative change was the elimination of the fine associated with an individual not being covered by a qualified health insurance plan.
A year in review.
By Alpha Lillstrom Cheng, JD, MA
Legislative Activity
The Private Practice Section’s (PPS) congressional advocacy in 2017 was primarily focused on playing defense. For the majority of the year, the Republican-controlled House and Senate were focused on a broad health care package that sought to replace or reform many provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including eroding the requirement that qualified health insurance plans must include 10 essential health benefits (EHBs), one of which is rehabilitative and habilitative care.
A wild ride in Washington, D.C.
By Jerry Connolly, PT, CAE
It’s been a wild ride in Washington during the first eight months of the 115th Congress and the Trump administration.
Congress takes the job to their home districts.
By Alpha Lillstrom Cheng, JD, MA
It’s August! For many that means a long-awaited vacation. For members of Congress it’s when they return to their home districts for the August recess. Although they are not in session in Washington, DC, from July 31 through Labor Day, the term recess is a misnomer, which is why it is officially called the “at-home work period.” This is because your legislators are going to be criss-crossing the district and meeting with constituents. You should expect your lawmakers and their staff to be available to discuss issues that are important to you as a private practice physical therapist.
