The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), Washington state officials, and the state’s health care community have joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Initially detected
New Resources Added to WRA Website
CreakyJoints https://creakyjoints.org/ CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. All of our programming and services are always provided free of charge. Education: Constantly updated and informed by
Ask Your Lawmakers to Protect Access to Part B Therapies
From the American College of Rheumatology In a significant and dangerous departure from previous policy, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin adjusting Part B drug reimbursements to physicians based on their performance in the Merit-based Incentive
Take Action (September 2017)
Physicians across the country are concerned about keeping the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from imposing quality-program penalties and bonuses on Part B drug payments. Across the country, physicians are urging Congress to oppose this proposal, which could compel
MED limit removed from HCA opioid policy
August 23, 2017 Update to new HCA opioid policy: On August 23, 2017, the Health Care Authority sent a message through GovDelivery to providers explaining the new HCA opioid policy, which will go into effect for Medicaid on October 1,
New opioid clinical policy (effective October 1, 2017)
Washington State Healthcare Authority Announcement: Healthcare providers should be aware that on October 1, 2017, a new Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) clinical policy pertaining to opioid prescriptions takes effect for Apple Health (Medicaid), both through managed care organizations
Advocacy-Related Requests for WRA Members
Adam Cooper, Senior Director, Government Affairs, American College of Rheumatology, attended our 2016 WRA Annual Conference and asked us to pass on these advocacy-related requests to our members: 1. We are asking members to join or renew their AMA memberships
WRA Advocacy News – June 2016
State Updates Washington Out-of-Pocket Costs Taskforce Selected The July 1st deadline is approaching to convene the first Out-of-Pocket Costs Taskforce meeting that was created by Senate Bill 6569 this past spring. Joanna Lindsay from the Arthritis Foundation, and Stephanie Simpson
WRA Advocacy News – April 2016
State Updates Senate Bill 6569 (Out-of-Pocket Task Force) SB 6569 was an initiative that passed into law by a veto override vote during a special session that adjourned in March to end the two-year legislative cycle (2015-2016). The bill creates