The potential automatic spending cuts, or sequestration, scheduled to take effect in January 2013, will be devastating for patients as well as the future U.S. leadership of research and development. Sequestration would slash federal investments in critical health, scientific, medical and biological research aimed at discovering treatments, moving safe and effective new medicines to market, and creating the innovations to grow our economy.

Ask your lawmaker to support increased investment in COPD research
New data that highlights the need to address the many challenges faced by the COPD and Alpha-1 Community

On November 21st the Centers for Disease control (CDC) published the first ever state-by-state data on the impact of COPD, the third leading cause of death in America. The data shows that over 6 percent of Americans are diagnosed with COPD and furthermore, the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (NHLBI) estimates another 12 million are experiencing symptoms but have not been diagnosed. There is no cure for COPD, but early diagnosis and current treatments can improve the quality of life for millions of Americans and save billions in preventable healthcare expenditures. (More than 12 million people have been diagnosed with COPD in the United States, and about 3 percent of them are predicted to have Alpha-1.) Despite being a major public health issue, COPD research still receives substantially less research funding than other diseases. An increase in funding for COPD research could help develop early diagnosis strategies, new treatment regimens, and improved disease management programs.   

Alpha-1 Sign-on Letter 

Expressing concern about the impact of the pending sequestration mandated by the Budget Control Act 

This month, the Alpha-1 Association, Alpha-1 Foundation and other like-minded organizations that represent patients, scientists, and health care providers signed onto an "Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research" letter to Congress that expressed concern about the impact of the pending sequestration mandated by the Budget Control Act (BCA) on medical research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the subsequent negative consequences for the health of all Americans.  

Banning Discrimination Against those with Pre-Existing Conditions 

Ensuring care for those whom coverage would otherwise be unaffordable 

Last month, the White House moved forward to implement provisions in the health care law that would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions like Alpha-1. The provisions also make it easier for consumers to compare health plans and employers to promote and encourage employee wellness.  

A Guide to Medicaid Appeals

Help with describing Medicaid's appeals system, the hearing process and more 

As coverage expands under healthcare reform and efforts proceed to integrate services for dual eligibles, who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, protections through the appeals process will be increasingly important. This guide describes Medicaid's appeals system, including the fair hearing process and the process required for Medicaid managed care organizations.

Recognizing Alpha-1 Awareness in the States 

A Proclamation signing at Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad's Office   

The Alpha-1 Association is fortunate to have a community that is both enthusiastic and eager to share their stories and advocate on key issues. Frank Loutsch from Iowa organized a formal Alpha-1 Awareness Month proclamation signing at his Governor's office. This signing aided in increasing both awareness and detection of Alpha-1 as a serious hereditary and misdiagnosed condition.

Click here to see other states that recognized the need for Alpha-1 Awareness.

Decision Day for States to Set Up Their Own Insurance Exchanges 

Open enrollment for exchange plans start October 2014 

December 14, 2012 is decision day for states to notify Washington if they will set up their own insurance exchanges under the federal health care law. Half the states have said that they will participate in some way. An Exchange is a mechanism for organizing the health insurance marketplace to help consumers and small businesses shop for coverage in a way that permits easy comparison of available plan options based on price, benefits and services, and quality.  

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