Medically Fragile Children's Act of 2009: Political Action Plan

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Political Action Plan

H.R. 1117 Medically Fragile Children’s Act of 2009

Goals & Objectives:

To provide the public with current information regarding the Medically Fragile Children’s Act of 2009

To gain interest and support for H.R. 1117, the establishment of an all inclusive program under Medicaid that would provide care for medically fragile children

Action Plan:

Actions and Commitments

Form a group made up of nursing students who share a similar interest and position regarding the Medically Fragile Children’s Act of 2009, and who will meet regularly to track the bills progress and development
Interact and discuss impact of bill and the need for policy change
Provide up to date and accurate information and references to the public about H.R. 1117 through a professional blog
Create an online forum allowing other individuals to share their own thoughts, opinions, and concerns; respond to these posted comments
Initiate contact with political members who are directly involved with the bill and advocate for change and progression
Invite legislators and stakeholders to become involved in the blog

This may include legislators such as Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D, WI), the sponsor of the bill, along with her cosponsors: Rep. Henry Brown (D, WI), Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D, NY), Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D, IL), and Rep. John Spratt (D, SC).

Stakeholders would include medically fragile and chronically ill children eligible for Medicaid along with their families , as well as, the each individual state and its Medicaid agency, and program providers and healthcare professionals

Did you know...?

In 2005, 133 million people, almost half of all Americans lived with at least one chronic condition.

Chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the United States.
The medical care costs of people with chronic diseases account for more than 75% of the nation’s $2 trillion medical care costs.
Chronic diseases account for one-third of the years of potential life lost before age 65.
The direct and indirect costs of diabetes is $174 billion a year.
In 2008, the cost of heart disease and stroke in the U.S. is projected to be $448 billion.
The estimated total costs of obesity was nearly $117 billion in 2000.
Cancer costs the nation an estimated $89 billion annually in direct medical costs.

Medically Fragile Children's Act of 2009