The voice of patients is critical as the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) determines what services will be covered as health reform is implemented. HHS recently issued a bulletin that outlines how it will define the “essential health benefits” package. Basically, it is proposing to defer these decisions to the states instead of defining what is essential at the national level.
The design of the Essential Health Benefits will directly impact the scope of health benefits and the well-being of over 70 million patients. Patient groups from all different sectors are joining together to let Secretary Sebelius know that we are essential and we need access to comprehensive, affordable and quality health care.
Comments on the HHS proposal are due January 31st. In order to let Secretary Sebelius know of our concerns, please sign the online petition This is an urgent request. The petition is open to all individuals and organizations. There is a place for comments where signers can indicate why access to healthcare is so essential for them.
AARDA suggest you add to your comments that "Autoimmune disease patients require access to specialty care."
Deadline to sign on is Tuesday, January 31st, 3 pm ET.
Sign the Petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/essential-health-benefits/
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