President Trump and Congress Agree to Short-Term Funding Deal

On the morning of Friday, January 25, the federal government remained partially shut down for the 35th day, the longest in U.S. history. However, on Friday afternoon President Trump and Congress announced an agreement that would fund the federal government through February 15, 2019.

There are also various health care policy issues important to ACG members at the state and local level.

ACG Members in Massachusetts: We need your help!

The "Acts relative to Step Therapy and Patient Safety (SD 2096/HD 1506)" have been introduced into the Massachusetts state legislature, sponsored by State Rep. Jennifer Benson and State Sen. Julian Cyr.  

 
Step Therapy necessitates the "fail first" drug therapy requirements, in which patients are forced by insurers to try and fail with one or more medications before the cost of the medication ACG members originally prescribed will be covered.  This legislation would allow for exemptions to be made to the current "Step Therapy" protocol, in order to remove unnecessary barriers in allowing patients to gain access to the medication they need at a faster pace.
 
Please urge your state representatives and senators to support these bills! The deadline for your reps to add their names as a cosponsor is 4:59 pm on Friday, February 1st.

ACG Members in MA: Click here to urge your representatives to support these bills!

How can I get involved?

What are some important bills impacting GI in Congress? In your state? How can you easily voice your support?

ACG’s Legislative Action Center is your one stop resource to review and advocate for various federal and state bills impacting your profession, practice, and patients.

Take action now!

Remember to contact your ACG Governor on important state and local issues impacting you and your practice.

The ACG Board of Governors is one of the most unique aspects of the American College of Gastroenterology. Governors are ACG Fellows that are elected from the membership of a particular state or region. There are currently 77 Governors across seven different regions in the U.S. and abroad. The Board of Governors acts as a two-way conduit between College leadership and the membership at-large. This helps the College make certain it is meeting the evolving needs of the membership.

Contact your Governor today!